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Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Disease

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Chronic Wasting Disease
Chronic Wasting Disease
Mike Hopper, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness in white-tailed deer and other members of the deer family, called cervids. CWD kills all deer and other cervids it infects. The disease has been found in Missouri and is slowly spreading. The Missouri Department of Conservation is working with conservation partners to find cases and limit its spread.

Learn more in the links below.

In This Section

About CWD

Get information on what causes CWD, how it spreads, signs of CWD, and differences between CWD and HD (Blue-Tongue Disease).

CWD in Missouri

Get information on the latest CWD sampling and testing efforts by MDC, where CWD has been found in Missouri, what else MDC is doing to limit the spread of CWD, and how the public can help.

CWD Management Zone

Mandatory CWD Sampling - 2018

Get details on MDC mandatory sampling activities, counties included in mandatory sampling, sampling locations, an interactive map to find locations, mandatory sampling instructions and tips, and details on mandatory sampling.  

Details for the 2018 season will be posted closer to the season.

Voluntary CWD Sampling - 2017

MDC offers free, voluntary CWD sampling of hunter-harvested deer taken in counties of its CWD Management Zone during the entire deer-hunting season. Hunters who harvest deer outside of the CWD Management Zone can have their deer tested for a fee by other entities during the entire deer season. Get details on voluntary sampling locations inside and outside the CWD Management Zone.

Details for the 2018 season will be posted closer to the season.

Get test results for your deer

Hunters who participate in mandatory sampling and/or voluntary sampling can get free test results for their sampled deer.

Feeding Ban and Other Regulations

Feeding deer or placing minerals for deer can help spread CWD. Get more information here.

Human Health Risks From CWD

There is no strong evidence CWD has been transmitted to any species outside of the deer family, including humans. Learn more here.

Post-Season Targeted Culling

Learn why, where, and how MDC works with landowners to cull deer in immediate areas around where recent cases of CWD have been found – along with results. 

Related Content: 

Chronic Wasting Disease Regulations

If you are deer hunting in any CWD Management Zone counties, follow these rules for preventing the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease.

Diseases

Check the Code

This is NOT a legal document. Regulations are subject to revision during the current year.
Refer to the Wildlife Code.