Ohio Records Highest Number of Chronic Wasting Disease Cases in Deer During 2025-26 Hunting Season
Ohio wildlife officials have raised alarms after recording the highest number of chronic wasting disease (CWD) cases in deer during the 2025-26 hunting season. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), 40 deer tested positive for the fatal neurological illness, marking a significant increase since the state’s first confirmed case in 2020.
The ODNR tested more than 6,600 deer during the season, with positive cases detected in several counties, including Wyandot, Hardin, Allen, Marion, Morrow, Hancock, and Crawford. This surge in CWD cases highlights growing concerns about the disease’s spread and its impact on Ohio’s deer population.
Chronic wasting disease, often referred to as “zombie deer disease,” is a progressive condition that affects deer, elk, and moose. It leads to severe brain damage, causing symptoms such as weight loss, stumbling, and erratic behavior before ultimately proving fatal. The disease spreads through direct animal contact or exposure to contaminated environments, including saliva, urine, feces, and carcasses.
Ohio’s battle with CWD began in 2020 when the first case was confirmed in Wyandot County. Since then, the number of positive cases has steadily climbed. In the 2024-25 season, 24 deer tested positive, followed by 27 in 2023-24 and 11 in 2022-23. This latest surge to 40 cases represents a troubling escalation.
Wildlife experts warn that CWD poses a significant threat to Ohio’s deer herds and the hunting industry, which plays a vital role in the state’s economy and conservation efforts. Despite extensive research, there is currently no cure or vaccine for the disease, making prevention and containment critical.
The ODNR has been monitoring CWD for over two decades, testing more than 50,000 deer since 2002. Officials have implemented measures to curb the disease’s spread, including heightened surveillance in affected counties and restrictions on deer carcass transportation to prevent contamination.
For hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, the rise in CWD cases raises concerns about the safety of consuming deer meat. While there have been no reported cases of CWD transmission to humans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against eating meat from infected animals.
“This is a wake-up call for Ohio,” said a spokesperson for the ODNR. “We need everyone—hunters, landowners, and the public—to work together to slow the spread of this disease.”
As Ohio grapples with this growing challenge, wildlife officials are urging vigilance and cooperation. The ODNR’s online dashboard provides real-time updates on CWD cases, offering a resource for residents to stay informed.
The latest data underscores the importance of continued research and proactive measures to protect Ohio’s deer population and preserve the state’s hunting traditions for future generations.
— Reported by Nexio News
