INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed three positive cases of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in wild white-tailed deer across Noble, Rush, and Franklin counties. The announcement, made Monday morning, marks a significant expansion of the fatal neurological disease within the state’s deer herd.
The infected animals were identified through hunter-harvested samples submitted during the 2025–2026 hunting season. While there have been no reported cases of CWD in humans, state health officials and the CDC recommend that hunters avoid consuming meat from any animal that tests positive for the disease.
Impact on Northern and Southeastern Indiana
The discovery in Noble County has prompted the DNR to officially expand its CWD surveillance zone in Northern Indiana. The zone now includes:
- LaGrange, Steuben, DeKalb, Noble, Allen, and Whitley counties.
In Southeastern Indiana, the new detections in Rush and Franklin counties will trigger enhanced surveillance efforts. State biologists will rely on voluntary testing from hunters in these areas during the upcoming season to monitor the potential spread of the disease.
CWD is a fatal illness caused by a misfolded protein called a prion. Unlike bacteria or viruses, prions are incredibly resilient and can contaminate the environment for years.
- Symptoms: In advanced stages, deer experience “wasting”—drastic weight loss—along with stumbling, drooling, and lack of fear of humans.
- Transmission: Spread through direct deer-to-deer contact (saliva, feces, urine) or through contact with contaminated soil and water.
- History in Indiana: The state’s first-ever case was detected in LaGrange County in April 2024. Before that discovery, Indiana had remained CWD-free despite detections in all neighboring states.
The DNR emphasizes that hunters play a critical role in managing the disease through voluntary testing and proper carcass disposal.
Testing Your Harvest:
- Free Sampling: Hunters can have their deer tested for free at select Fish & Wildlife Areas (FWAs), State Fish Hatcheries, or through drop-off coolers at DNR property offices.
- Results: Test results are typically available online within 8 to 12 weeks. If a deer tests positive, the DNR will contact the hunter directly using the information provided at the time of sampling.
Safety and Disposal:
- Report Sick Wildlife: Residents who see a deer exhibiting signs of CWD should report it at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife or call the Deer Disease Hotline at 844-803-0002.
- Carcass Disposal: To prevent the spread of prions, the DNR strongly recommends bagging all discarded deer parts and sending them to a landfill rather than leaving them in the field.
For an interactive map of sampling locations and more information on Indiana’s CWD management plan, visit on.IN.gov/cwd.
