Wildlife

Wild Deer Chronic Wasting Disease Welfare

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal prion disease spreading through North American deer populations causing prolonged suffering.

Key Facts

Chronic wasting disease has spread to 30+ US states and Canadian provinces
Affected deer experience progressive weight loss, neurological decline, and death over months
There is no cure or vaccine for chronic wasting disease
Population reduction through hunting may slow spread in high-density areas

Welfare Considerations

Deer with chronic wasting disease experience progressive neurological deterioration including weight loss despite continued eating, behavioral changes, and loss of fear of humans over months before death. The condition is universally fatal and causes prolonged suffering. Reducing deer density in affected areas may slow transmission and reduce the proportion of the population affected.

What You Can Do

Support chronic wasting disease monitoring programs
Do not transport deer carcasses across state or country boundaries
Learn about chronic wasting disease to understand the welfare implications
Support research into chronic wasting disease prevention and management