At a Glance
- CWD has appeared in new U.S. and Canadian regions.
- Three Arkansas cases and one Wisconsin case confirmed in mid-December 2023.
- Manitoba reports five new cases, two in previously undetected areas.
- Why it matters: The disease spreads easily, kills 100% of infected deer, and may threaten hunters and the $7.9 billion deer-farm industry.
Wildlife officials have sounded the alarm as chronic wasting disease (CWD) spreads into new areas across North America. Recent reports from Arkansas, Wisconsin, and Manitoba show fresh cases in regions where the prion-driven illness had never been detected before. The outbreak raises concerns for deer populations, hunters, and the broader ecosystem.
New Cases Reported
In mid-December, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission documented three CWD-positive white-tailed deer harvested in Grant and Sevier counties-areas that had never previously reported the disease. The first Arkansas case was in 2016, making these the first cases in those counties. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources confirmed the state’s first positive test in La Crosse County during the same week.
Manitoba’s Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures announced five new CWD cases, two of which were in previously undetected locales. The province’s first case was recorded in 2021, so the new findings extend the disease’s reach. These developments bring the total to at least 36 U.S. states and 4 Canadian provinces.
| Region | New Case Location | Year of First Detection |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Grant & Sevier counties | 2023 |
| Wisconsin | La Crosse County | 2023 |
| Manitoba | 2 new areas | 2023 |
Why CWD Matters
CWD spreads more readily than other prion diseases such as mad cow disease or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). It can transmit through direct contact, saliva, and environmental contamination from urine or feces, allowing sustained outbreaks in both free-ranging and captive deer populations.
The potential for human transmission, while still theoretical, has prompted concern. A case report last year suggested two hunters who died from CJD may have contracted the disease after eating CWD-infected deer, though the link remains unconfirmed and other scientists remain skeptical.
Even if human risk remains low, the ecological and economic impacts are significant. Large outbreaks could devastate local deer populations, disrupt other species, and force the closure of deer farms-an industry worth $7.9 billion.
- Wisconsin extended baiting and feeding ban in La Crosse County to reduce deer congregation.
- Hunters are advised against consuming untested or CWD-positive deer.
- Ongoing surveillance continues across the continent.
Key Takeaways
- CWD has reached new counties in Arkansas, Wisconsin, and Manitoba as of mid-December 2023.
- The disease spreads easily, kills all infected deer, and may pose a theoretical risk to hunters.
- Measures such as feeding bans and hunting advisories aim to curb spread and protect industry and public health.
With CWD expanding into new territories, wildlife agencies and hunters must stay vigilant. The disease’s rapid spread and fatality rate underscore the need for continued monitoring and precautionary actions.
