Wildlife

Wild Deer Chronic Wasting Disease Welfare

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer is a fatal prion disease causing prolonged deterioration and suffering before death.

Key Facts

CWD has been detected in 31 US states, 4 Canadian provinces and parts of Europe
The disease causes progressive neurological deterioration including weight loss, stumbling and loss of fear of humans
Affected deer typically die 12-24 months after infection — a prolonged decline
There is no effective treatment and the disease is spreading to new areas

Welfare Considerations

Deer with CWD experience a months-long progressive decline involving neurological deterioration, loss of bodily control, inability to eat and extreme weight loss before death. The individual welfare harm is severe and prolonged. As the disease spreads, growing proportions of deer populations in affected areas face this progressive decline. Management interventions aimed at reducing prevalence in high-density areas help reduce the scale of welfare harm at population level.

What You Can Do

Support CWD monitoring and management programs
Follow CWD-related hunting regulations including carcass movement restrictions
Do not transport deer carcasses from areas with known CWD
Support research into CWD spread prevention and potential treatments