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Chronic wasting disease (CWD)

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Web-mapping App Updates: 

What’s new with DNR’s web-mapping applications?

We are excited to announce that the DNR’s web mapping applications have been upgraded with more secure and modern technology! While the design may look different, the functionality you rely on remains the same.

For best results, use up-to-date devices, operating systems and internet browsers. If you are having difficulty viewing or interacting with a DNR web-map, try these web browser tips.

CWD sampling is available statewide. However, the DNR is especially interested in receiving more samples from our 2024 Fall Priority Areas to better understand disease levels and distribution.
White-tailed deer
Photo courtesy of Linda Freshwaters Arndt

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal, infectious nervous system disease of deer, moose, elk and reindeer/caribou. It belongs to the family of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases. CWD occurs only in members of the cervid or deer family -- both wild and captive. The Wisconsin DNR began monitoring the state's wild white-tailed deer population for CWD in 1999. The first positives were found in 2002.