The Science of Chronic Wasting Disease: Why Every Hunter Should Care

posted in: CWD

March 6, 2025

Addressing the silent threat to deer, elk, moose and our hunting traditions

Photo Credit: Jay Beyer | www.jaybeyer.com

Imagine sitting in your favorite deer stand at dawn, the crisp autumn air filling your lungs. You scan the tree line, waiting for a familiar sight – the graceful movement of a whitetail buck stepping into view. But what if that buck was sick? What if it showed no fear, moved erratically, or looked alarmingly thin? This is the reality of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), an often invisible but devastating threat to deer populations and the future of hunting.

What Is CWD and Why Should Hunters Care?

CWD is an always-fatal disease affecting deer, elk, and moose. It attacks the brain and nervous system, causing drastic weight loss, strange behavior, and eventual death. CWD is caused by prions – misfolded proteins that spread like a domino effect, corrupting healthy proteins. Unlike other diseases, there’s no vaccine, no cure, and no easy way to stop it. As it spreads across North America, CWD threatens not just wildlife but the hunting traditions that have been passed down for generations.

How CWD Spreads

CWD spreads in multiple ways:

Direct Transmission (Horizontal Spread) – When an infected animal comes into close contact with a healthy one, it can pass the disease through saliva, urine, feces, and even antler velvet.

Environmental Contamination (Indirect Spread) – Prions can linger in soil, water, and plants for years, infecting animals that come into contact with these contaminated areas.

Mother-to-Offspring Transmission (Vertical Spread) – There is growing evidence that infected mothers may pass CWD to their offspring, though this pathway is less common.¹

Unfortunately, human activities can worsen the problem. Moving live deer or improperly disposing of carcasses can introduce CWD into new areas, making its spread even harder to control. Where CWD has already been established, activities that artificially concentrate animals, like feeding, baiting, or mineral supplementation, can increase spread.

The Impact on Hunting and Conservation

For hunters, CWD isn’t just a wildlife disease, it’s a direct threat to our sporting traditions. Deer hunting generates billions of dollars annually for local and regional economies.² If deer populations decline, hunting opportunities shrink, and funding for conservation efforts could take a major hit.

What TRCP is Doing

The TRCP is working to slow the spread of CWD alongside the wild deer and elk hunting communities, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Fish and Wildlife Health Committee, the American Wildlife Conservation Partners CWD Work Group, and the National Deer Association’s CWD Coalition. Here’s how:

Advocacy for Funding and Research – The TRCP and our partners are working to ensure hunters have the tools they need to help protect wild deer and deer hunting, both through individual actions and through federal policy.
Education – The TRCP and our partners work together to provide hunters with science-based information on disease prevention, transmission risks, and management strategies.
Research and Surveillance Collaboration – The TRCP partners with agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state wildlife departments to improve disease detection and inform policy decisions.³

What Can Hunters Do Right Now

Hunters play a crucial role in managing CWD. Here’s how you can help:

Get harvested deer tested for CWD to help track and manage the disease.
Follow carcass transport and disposal regulations to prevent the spread of infected material.
Make informed choices about activities that artificially concentrate wild deer, like feeding, baiting, and mineral supplementation.
Stay informed and advocate for science-based CWD management to ensure policies protect both wildlife and the future of hunting.

The Road Ahead

CWD is a serious challenge, but hunters have always been the backbone of conservation in North America. By taking responsible action, supporting research, and advocating for sound policies, we can help slow the spread of this disease and preserve our hunting traditions for generations to come. The fight against CWD isn’t just about protecting deer – it’s about protecting the future of hunting itself.

You can learn more about Chronic Wasting Disease HERE

Citations

Haley, N. J., & Hoover, E. A. (2015). Chronic wasting disease of cervids: Current knowledge and future perspectives. Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, 3(1), 305-325. arav3Haley 305..325
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.
Thompson, N. E., Huang, M. H., Christensen, S. A., & Demarais, S. (2023). Wildlife agency responses to chronic wasting disease in free‐ranging cervids. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 47(2), e1435. Wildlife agency responses to chronic wasting disease in free‐ranging cervids.

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by: Jamelle Ellis

posted in: CWD

February 14, 2025

Fighting Misinformation and Strengthening Science-Based Policy in CWD Legislation

New legislative proposals influenced by misinformation campaigns could undermine CWD management efforts, influence public perception, and disrupt conservation funding.

The ongoing push for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) solutions is not just about science and wildlife management, it’s also about striving against misinformation and misguided policies that could worsen the crisis. Recently, legislative proposals in North Dakota and Indiana have raised concerns among conservationists and wildlife professionals. These bills could undermine CWD management efforts, influence public perception of the disease, and disrupt conservation funding.

North Dakota’s Controversial CWD Bills: A Dangerous Precedent

In North Dakota, a series of proposed bills threaten to erode science-based CWD policies in favor of narratives that contradict well-established research.

SB2137 (The Baiting Bill): Passed in the Senate, this bill restricts the state’s ability to regulate baiting, a practice known to increase CWD transmission among cervids. This undermines existing science-backed measures designed to slow the spread of the disease. It also takes management decisions away from professional wildlife biologists and gives it to legislators.

HB1236 & HB1325: These bills seek to prevent the North Dakota Game and Fish Department from allocating funds to CWD management and redefine diagnostic requirements in ways that contradict established prion science.

Public Access to CWD Records Bill: This legislation, promoted by individuals questioning the legitimacy of CWD, aims to make all positive detections publicly available for four years, including microscopic slides of prions and necropsy reports. However, the proposal ignores the scientific consensus on CWD testing and the logistical challenges of cataloging slides for every positive test.

These bills have been strongly influenced by misinformation campaigns that question the very existence of prions—the infectious proteins responsible for CWD. Some proponents falsely claim that CWD is a nutritional deficiency rather than a contagious disease. This rhetoric mirrors past disinformation efforts that sought to dismiss the severity of prion diseases like Mad Cow Disease.

Indiana’s Risky Genetic Experimentation Bill

In Indiana, another troubling piece of legislation, SB32, proposes a program to breed and release deer that are “genetically resistant” to CWD. While the idea of genetic resistance is intriguing, the science behind it remains inconclusive. The approach assumes that some deer might have genes that make them immune to CWD, yet research has shown that so-called “resistant” deer can still become infected—just at a slower rate.^1,2

Similar programs have been proposed in other states, but their implementation risks unintended consequences, such as the spread of undetected infections and disruptions to natural selection in wild deer populations. Conservation groups have expressed strong opposition to this bill, citing concerns over inadequate scientific backing and potential ecological risks.

The vast majority of CWD researchers agree that this is a bad idea. Read their statement HERE

The Role of Science in Combating Misinformation

The push for legislation based on misinformation highlights the urgent need for strong, science-backed communication efforts. Misinformation about CWD isn’t just a public relations issue. It has real-world consequences. Policies influenced by unverified claims can increase disease transmission, misallocate conservation funding, and erode public trust in wildlife management agencies.

To counter these narratives, conservation organizations and wildlife professionals must prioritize:

Clear, evidence-based communication: Explaining CWD’s prion pathology in accessible language.

Proactive engagement with policymakers: Ensuring that legislative decisions are informed by peer-reviewed research.

Funding for CWD response: Advocating for sustained funding to support CWD research, surveillance, management, and suppression efforts, ensuring long-term disease control.

A Responsible Approach to CWD Management

The TRCP and other conservation groups recognize the need to address CWD with urgency, but without alarmism. The spread of CWD is a serious issue that requires measured, science-driven responses. While some states struggle with misinformation-driven policies, others continue to advance responsible wildlife management strategies that emphasize testing, research, and adaptive management.

As hunters, conservationists, and policymakers navigate the complexities of CWD, it is crucial to remain steadfast in the commitment to scientific integrity. The hunting community plays a vital role in monitoring and mitigating CWD, but they must be equipped with accurate information and supported by policies that prioritize conservation over controversy.

The fight against CWD is not just about managing disease. It’s about ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy healthy wildlife populations and sustainable hunting traditions.

Learn more about CWD by clicking HERE

Citations

Robinson, S. J., Samuel, M. D., O’Rourke, K. I., & Johnson, C. J. (2012). The role of genetics in chronic wasting disease of North American cervids. Prion, 6(2), 153-162. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.4161/pri.19640.

Research indicates that deer with certain genetic traits, previously thought to have genes that make them immune to CWD, can still become infected, albeit at slower rates. This study found that white-tailed deer possessing at least one copy of the 96S allele were infected at rates three to four times lower than those with the 96GG genotype. However, these “resistant” deer still contracted the disease, suggesting that the 96S allele delays infection rather than prevents it entirely.

Moazami-Goudarzi, K., Andréoletti, O., Vilotte, J. L., & Béringue, V. (2021). Review on PRNP genetics and susceptibility to chronic wasting disease of Cervidae. Veterinary Research, 52, 1-15. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13567-021-00993-z

This study highlighted that while certain prion protein gene (PRNP) polymorphisms are associated with reduced susceptibility to CWD, they do not provide complete immunity. Deer with these polymorphisms may experience longer incubation periods before clinical signs appear, but they remain susceptible to infection.

by: Jamelle Ellis

posted in: CWD

February 5, 2025

Chronic Wasting Disease: A Call to Action for Hunters and Conservationists

TRCP’s senior scientist delves into the recent detection of CWD in Georgia and how we all have roles to play in safeguarding wildlife and the traditions we cherish.

I often find myself reflecting on the crucial role hunters play in conservation. With the recent confirmation of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Georgia, now is a pivotal moment to discuss what this means for hunters and the broader scientific community.

Understanding CWD

Chronic Wasting Disease is a fatal, neurodegenerative disease affecting cervids like deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. It is caused by prions, infectious proteins that target normal brain proteins and make them fold abnormally. Infected animals shed CWD prions in body fluids, potentially exposing other cervids during social encounters. CWD prions are highly resilient, persisting in soil and plants for years, and they spread through bodily fluids such as saliva and urine. Since its discovery in Colorado in 1967, CWD has spread to 36 U.S. states, parts of Canada, and even Europe.

CWD poses no documented risk to humans, but its parallels with other prion diseases, like Mad Cow Disease, have raised concerns about potential cross-species transmission. Current scientific priorities include understanding the different types of the disease, improving testing methods, and expanding efforts to monitor its spread

Why Georgia Matters

The detection of CWD in Georgia marks a significant turning point. This state has a robust hunting tradition and is home to diverse ecosystems that sustain both game species and non-hunting wildlife enthusiasts. The arrival of CWD could alter this balance, affecting hunting culture and wildlife management practices. For hunters, this confirmation should inspire a renewed commitment to vigilance. Testing wild-caught cervids for CWD isn’t just a precaution, it’s an act of stewardship. Hunters are on the front lines, acting as both participants in and protectors of healthy ecosystems

Testing and Vigilance

Hunters in CWD-affected areas should consider testing their harvested animals, especially when planning to consume the meat. Testing turnaround times vary by state, but they generally range from one to three weeks. This wait time might seem inconvenient, but it’s a small price to pay for safety and sustainability.

Here are some steps to make the testing process easier:

Plan Ahead – Check your state’s testing requirements and find the nearest testing location before hunting.
Field Dress with Care – Use gloves and avoid cutting into the spine or brain, where prions are concentrated.
Utilize Resources – Many state wildlife agencies offer drop-off locations and guidance on sample submission.

By adopting these practices, hunters not only protect their families but also contribute vital data for monitoring CWD’s spread.

The Broader Impact

From a scientific perspective, Georgia’s confirmation of CWD underscores the need for continued research and collaboration. The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy recently emphasized gaps in our understanding of prions and their long-lasting presence in the environment. Working together across different agencies and scientific fields is key to improving testing, monitoring, and decontamination methods.

The fight against CWD requires a united front. Hunters, researchers, and policymakers all have roles to play in safeguarding wildlife and the traditions we cherish. Together, we can ensure that hunting remains a cornerstone of conservation for generations to come.

Learn more about CWD by clicking HERE

by: Ian Nakayama

posted in: CWD

December 20, 2024

Why the ACE Reauthorization Act Becoming Law is Important for Hunters and Anglers

The legislation passed the U.S. Senate on December 18, 2024, and will reauthorize multiple programs that benefit hunting and angling.

The America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act of 2024 passed the Senate by unanimous consent on Wednesday December 18, 2024. The legislation was sponsored by Senators Carper (D-Del.) and Capito (R-W.Va) and Representatives Wittman (R-Va.), Kiggans (R-Va.), Dingell (D-Mich.), and Thompson (D-Calif.) and will reauthorize multiple programs that benefit hunting and angling including:

The National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP), which focuses on state-led, science-based, collaborative efforts to protect, restore, and enhance aquatic ecosystems across the United States. Since its founding in 2006 NFHP has provided over $320 million in funding support for fish habitat conservation projects.

The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), which authorizes grants to public-private partnerships to protect, enhance, restore, and manage waterfowl, and the wetlands they rely upon. NAWCA has provided $2.28 billion in grants that have helped conserve more than 32.6 million acres of vital habitat.

The Chesapeake Bay Program, which is a regional partnership that guides the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Since its inception in 1983 there have been billions of dollars in leveraged funds that have reduced nutrient pollution in the bay.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a non-profit organization chartered by Congress, is dedicated to sustaining, restoring, and enhancing the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats. Since its founding in 1984 it has grown to become the nation’s largest private conservation foundation.

The ACE Reauthorization Act also helps address threats like chronic wasting disease (CWD) by reauthorizing the CWD task force, which coordinates state, tribal, and federal efforts to limit the spread of CWD.

“America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act benefits fish and wildlife while enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities for millions of hunters and anglers,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “We look forward to this important bipartisan legislation becoming law and ensuring the continued success of crucial conservation programs that will benefit hunters and anglers for generations to come.”

The original ACE Act was passed in 2020 and portions of it were sponsored by Representatives Wittman, Dingell, and Thompson. Many of its authorizations were expiring in 2025, necessitating the passage of the ACE Reauthorization Act of 2024 to ensure these programs can continue to operate in good legal standing.

The legislation was endorsed by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Ducks Unlimited, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the National Wildlife Federation, American Sportfishing Association, the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the National Audubon Society.

TRCP works to maintain and strengthen the future of hunting and fishing by uniting and amplifying our partners’ voices in conserving and restoring wildlife populations and their habitat as challenges continue to evolve. Learn more about TRCP’s commitment to healthy habitat and clean water HERE.

by: Ian Nakayama

posted in: CWD

December 19, 2024

Hunters and Anglers Applaud as Crucial Water Resources Legislation Heads to the President’s Desk

The Water Resources Development Act provides investments in watershed restoration and healthy fish and wildlife habitat.

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed The Water Resources Developm ent Act (WRDA), advancing funding for fish and wildlife habitat improvements, enhancing aquatic connectivity and water-based recreation, and updating recreational access information for hunters and anglers. The Senate passage follows bipartisan passage in the U.S. House of Representative on December 10^th. The bill now awaits the president’s signature.

WRDA is a biennial piece of legislation that authorizes all civil works projects that are carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

The USACE Civil Works division builds and manages a large amount of our nation’s dams, levees, waterways, and port infrastructure. They are also responsible for managing recreation on more than 400 lake and river projects across the United States that receive over 26 million visitors annually.

“TRCP applauds the passage of The Water Resources Development Act in both the House and the Senate,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “This crucial investment in watershed restoration and healthy fish and wildlife habitat is a win for hunting, fishing, and American communities. We look forward to it being signed into law.”

This year’s WRDA has numerous TRCP-led provisions that will benefit hunters and anglers.

Community Project Advisors

The USACE offers a variety of financial and planning assistance programs to support investments in fish and wildlife habitat improvements and resilience to natural disasters, but navigating these processes can be daunting for some non-Federal partners who lack capacity and experience in utilizing USACE resources. To address this challenge, the WRDA includes a provision requiring the USACE to designate and make publicly available a community project advisor at each district and division office of the USACE. The community project advisor would serve as a resource to non-Federal interests seeking USACE financial and technical assistance including assisting partners in securing resources that benefit fish and wildlife.

National Low-Head Dam Inventory

Low-head dams are small structures that consist of water diversions, flood control structures, and other in-river impoundments that are commonplace across the country. Low-head dams also pose public safety risks to boaters and can be barriers to fish passage. Several states and organizations have been working to inventory low-head dams to identify opportunities to rehabilitate these structures to address safety and environmental concerns, yet this information is not consistent across the country.

This WRDA includes a provision directing the USACE to add low-head dams to the existing national inventory of dams and to include information that can inform strategies to address public safety and fish passage issues at identified structures, which can help direct resources to improve overall aquatic connectivity and enhance water-based recreation.

MAP Army Corps

MAP Army Corps builds off the success of the MAPLand Act that passed last Congress amid an ongoing TRCP effort to make data about our public lands and waters more accessible to all Americans.

This provision would require the USACE to regularly update and make publicly available databases that detail information on USACE recreational sites including the operational status of, and the recreational opportunities available at, such sites.

Many USACE sites lack publicly accessible boating and fishing regulations, this requires boaters and anglers to go to the USACE site and find a posted sign that outlines the sites particular restrictions. It would be far better if boaters and anglers could simply look online ahead of their trip to discover what equipment, methods of take, and watercraft are allowed.

The 2024 version of WRDA has significant wins for hunters and anglers. It will make investments in Fish and Wildlife habitat easier for communities, it will make information on USACE recreation sites more accessible, and it will make boating safer in areas with low-head dams. TRCP will continue to advocate for hunter and angler priorities in end of Congress legislation.