Protect Texas Deer.
Learn the Facts About Chronic Wasting Disease.
What is Chronic Wasting Disease?
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) threatens wild and captive deer. This fatal disease is in a family of neurological diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE). In Texas, CWD impacts our native white-tailed and mule deer as well as elk and several exotic deer species including red deer, and sika deer. If not managed, CWD can have devastating, long-term impacts on Texas´ beloved white-tailed and mule deer. Visible symptoms often don't appear until just before death. Learn about your important role in protecting the state's most popular game animals.
First Case in Colorado
Chronic Wasting Disease was first found in 1967 in captive mule deer in Colorado. As of May 30, 2023, CWD has been documented in captive and free-ranging deer in 30 states and in Canada.
Discovery in Texas
The first case of CWD was discovered in 2012 in a free-ranging mule deer in West Texas and in a captive white-tailed deer in 2015. Hundreds of cases have been confirmed in captive and free-ranging deer since the initial discovery in 2012.
Economic Impact
If CWD is not contained and controlled, the implications of the disease for Texas and its multi-billion-dollar ranching, hunting, wildlife management, and real estate economies could be significant.
What Do I Need to Do?
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) asks that all Texans be aware of CWD and help curb the spread. Hunters, deer breeders and landowners are the most important participants.