CWD Roundup is the National Deer Association’s (NDA) bi-monthly update on all things chronic wasting disease (CWD). We’ll provide the latest updates on CWD spread, research and policy from across North America. Updates are provided alphabetically by state.
Idaho: Out of over 900 samples in the panhandle region during the previous hunting season, only six deer tested positive for CWD. This meant the disease rate is still relatively low and officials are hopeful early management will be able to limit the spread of CWD in the panhandle.
Kentucky: In late June, Kentucky added new regulations regarding CWD. Three more counties were added to the CWD surveillance area. In Henderson, Union, and Webster counties, all deer harvested in the first three days of gun season are required to be tested for CWD. Hunters must not transport whole animal carcasses outside county lines in these areas.
Louisiana: On July 26 and 29, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will be holding public hearings to share information and answer questions about a recent notice of intent (NOI). This NOI will expand the current CWD control area and create a new control area with portions of Caldwell, Catahoula, La Salle and Richland parishes. This NOI also includes restrictions regarding baiting and supplemental feeding, as well as prohibiting transportation of meat that is not properly packed in the CWD control areas.
New Hampshire: All 404 deer tested last year reported negative for CWD in the state of New Hampshire. To keep the state’s cervids healthy, New Hampshire Fish and Game is asking hunters to use synthetic-based lures and stay away from genuine urine lure this season.
North Carolina: Mid-May North Carolina confirmed their surveillance areas for the new season, which include the same counties as last season. They report 10 deer tested positive in the 2024-2025 season. Officials were pleased with the way CWD management has been going and decided to change previous mandatory tissue testing to a now voluntary system.
Maryland: After gathering data from the 2024 season, Maryland has decided to add Howard County to the CWD management area. 62 deer tested positive across the state in 2024, with only one (in Howard County) being from outside the previously established management area.
Michigan: In early May, House Bill 4445 was introduced which includes an amendment to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. If passed, the proposed language would allow hunters to use bait during the open deer seasons. This can increase the potential spread of CWD and other diseases.
Minnesota: Banned the use of scent-based attractants and supplemental feeding in eight more counties to limit CWD spread. Hunters can still use mock scrapes and similar non-manufactured practices. The eight new counties include Anoka, Clay, Ramsey, Sherburne, Steele, Traverse, Wilkin, and Wright.
Tennessee: House Bill 938 & Senate Bill 869 were signed by the governor on May 9 and will be put into effect as law on July 1, 2025. This law creates a “bait privilege license” that hunters will be able to purchase to allow hunting over bait on private land. Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission is working to implement the law, with the aim for this new license to become available in August 2026.
Wisconsin: In late May, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture released news that a deer farm in Rock County had a doe test positive for CWD. The deer farm is being quarantined while disease investigations are ongoing.