Facts About Chronic Wasting Disease

What is Chronic Wasting Disease?
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) belongs to a group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). TSEs cause a degeneration of the brain in deer and elk.

CWD has been documented in both wild and captive mule deer, white-tailed deer and elk. It has been found among free-ranging deer in a very limited number of locations in the Midwestern states of Illinois, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

A map showing the general locations where CWD has been found in free-ranging deer and elk in other states is available from the USDA.
When was CWD discovered?
In 1967, CWD was first detected in deer within the northeast portion of Colorado.
Where is CWD found today?
CWD has not been found in Missouri. Between 2002 and 2004, with the help of hunters, the Department of Conservation tested over 22,000 deer from all 114 counties in the state. All tests were negative.

With the conclusion of the sampling program in 2004, our surveillance efforts have shifted to sampling sick deer reported by the public, a strategy that has been successful in other states. Your help is needed to ensure sick deer are reported and sampled.
How is CWD spread?
CWD can come into a state through the natural movement of wild deer and elk or via the interstate shipment of hunter-harvested or captive white-tailed deer, mule deer or elk. Once the disease is established, scientists are unsure how CWD spreads from one animal to another. Some pathways may be through animal-to-animal contact or congregation at food or water sources.
What is Missouri doing to protect the state against CWD?
The departments of Conservation and Agriculture are working together to help keep deer and elk from CWD-infected states out of Missouri and to examine sources of infection that could already exist in the state. The Department of Conservation will continue to test deer that appear sick and to monitor the health of the state’s deer herd by collecting samples from sick deer reported by the public. Captive deer and elk herds in Missouri are monitored through a surveillance program.

The Missouri Departments of Agriculture and Conservation formed a state CWD Task Force in 2002 to ensure broad input into our state's efforts to manage the risks associated with CWD. This diverse group will continue to incorporate new information into monitoring programs and ensure the public has access to the most up-to-date information.
What are the symptoms of CWD?
Deer or elk with CWD show changes in natural behavior and can exhibit extreme weight loss, excessive salivation, stumbling and tremors. Chronic wasting disease is thought to always be fatal to the infected animal, but it can take months or years before the symptoms of infection appear.
How is CWD diagnosed?
Chronic wasting disease can only be confirmed by laboratory examination of brain or lymph tissue. Scientists are working on a number of approaches that may provide, in the future, a live-animal test that can be used on both deer and elk.
Can people get CWD from infected deer or elk?
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services states there is no evidence that CWD can infect people. CWD is not viewed as a human health issue.
Can livestock get CWD from infected deer or elk?
The Missouri Department of Agriculture states that current research shows there is no evidence that CWD can spread from infected deer or elk to other livestock, such as sheep or cattle.
What can the public do to help?
The Department of Conservation continues to test sick deer for CWD. If you observe or harvest a sickly deer, please contact your nearest Department of Conservation office.
Should hunters take precautions when field dressing or processing deer meat?
Again , there is no evidence that CWD affects humans. We have always advised hunters concerned about ANY disease or parasite that a deer might have to wear rubber gloves while field dressing and processing deer.
What if I hunt deer or elk out-of-state?
Missourians who harvest a deer or elk from areas where CWD is found are encouraged to process the deer or elk where taken and bring only boned meat and a cleaned skull plate back to Missouri. If delivering items to a taxidermist, please indicate if the animal was harvested from a suspected CWD location. This step will help ensure proper disposal of animal material. The USDA has a link to a map showing the general locations where CWD has been found in free-ranging deer and elk in other states.

For more information on CWD, contact:

The Missouri Department of Conservation
PO Box 180
Jefferson City, Mo 65101
(573) 751-4115

The Missouri Department of Agriculture
Division of Animal Health
1616 Missouri Boulevard
Jefferson City, Mo 65101
(573) 751-3377

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Section of Communicable Disease Control and Veterinary Public Health
930 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109
(573) 751-6113