AUSTIN – Chronic Wasting Disease is a highly contagious and fatal neurological disease affecting members of the deer family. It is spreading in Texas. To date, 428 captive or free-ranging cervids — including white-tailed deer, mule deer, red deer and elk — in 17 Texas counties have tested positive for CWD. If not contained, it can have long-term impacts on the deer population of the state.
For more detailed information on CWD, check out these video interviews by clicking here.
If you’re deer hunting in Texas this fall, test your harvest for CWD. It’s mandatory in CWD zones and voluntary elsewhere. With your participation, biologists can gather statewide data to aid in CWD management strategies to reduce the risk of circulation. You can find everything you need to know at the Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine blog or the Outdoor Annual website.
CWD containment and surveillance zones are found in various areas across the state. These zones have special rules, including mandatory testing. Below is a map of the current zones.
Texas Counties with CWD Dec.2022 (Courtesy/TPWD)
Visit our Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine blog Hunters Can Help Protect Texas Deer from Chronic Wasting Disease for answers to the most frequently asked questions about CWD, including:
- Why sample for CWD?
- Which counties have mandatory testing?
- Where is the nearest check station?
- What do I need to bring to the check station?
- Can I take my deer out of a CWD zone?
- Is testing free?
- How long does it take to get results?
- How can I tell if a deer has CWD?
- What other precautions should I take?
- Is CWD dangerous for humans?
Protect Texas Deer. Test4CWD.
CWD Deer (Contributed/TPWD)
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