The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has identified twenty-seven white-tailed deer across multiple counties in the state that tested positive for chronic wasting disease during the 2023-2024 hunting season. The affected counties include Allen, Hardin, Marion, and Wyandot.
Chronic wasting disease is a severe neurological illness that affects deer populations. While there’s no definitive proof of transmission to humans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise against consuming meat from infected animals. For additional information and a map of known affected regions, you can visit ohiodnr.gov/cwd.
To combat the spread of the disease, authorities conducted a postseason removal of deer in February and March. This proactive step aimed to reduce the risk of further contamination within Ohio’s deer population.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources intends to maintain its sampling efforts for chronic wasting disease throughout the upcoming 2024-2025 deer hunting season. This underscores the importance of continuous surveillance and management strategies to protect both wildlife and public health.