Indiana DNR confirms second case of chronic wasting disease in deer

A second instance of chronic wasting disease in a deer in the state has been confirmed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Deer suffer from a neurological condition called chronic wasting disease (CWD), which ultimately leads to their demise. According to the DNR, two separate tests verified the most recent positive case, which included a wild white-tailed deer that was harvested in Posey County. In 36 states, including every state that borders Indiana, the disease has been found in wild deer. The illness persists in the soil for many years and can be transferred from deer to deer or through polluted settings. Late-stage CWD can cause animals to lose a significant amount of weight and exhibit strange behavioral abnormalities. The DNR advises you to report any sick or deceased wildlife you come across. The DNR invites you to report any dead or sick animals you find at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife.

“During deer hunting season, the public can assist by submitting harvested deer for testing and informing the DNR of any sightings of sick or dead deer. We can monitor CWD in Indiana’s deer population by raising awareness and doing testing,” stated Joe Caudell, a deer biologist with the Indiana DNR. The DNR will increase surveillance in Posey County and neighboring counties during the next deer shooting season. Mid-September to the end of January is when Indiana’s different deer hunting seasons begin. Determining the level of sickness in the region and developing a focused response strategy are the objectives of the increased surveillance. No human cases of the infection have been documented. Hunters are advised by the DNR to have their deer tested and to avoid eating meat from deer that have a positive CWD test.

Hunters who willingly submit a sample via one of DNR’s head drop coolers at specific Fish & Wildlife Areas, State Fish Hatcheries, and National Wildlife Refuges can have their harvested deer analyzed for free. An interactive map is available to view all CWD sample locations. For a cost, individuals can also send samples straight to Purdue University’s Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL). The ADDL website has more details and forms for submission.