ODNR Official Updates Kenton Rotary on Chronic Wasting Disease in Ohio Deer

Kenton Rotarian Gerald Pfister welcomed Ryan Kennedy, a 22-year veteran with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, who provided an update on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) at a recent meeting. CWD is a fatal neurological illness affecting deer, elk, and related species.

Caused by misfolded proteins called prions, CWD is spread through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments and has no cure.

CWD has been confirmed in 34 states.  Ohio confirmed its first and second CWD-positive wild deer in late 2020 and early 2021 in Wyandot County. 

An additional 9, 11, and 27 deer tested positive for CWD in the 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 seasons, respectively, bringing the total number of positive cases in wild deer (as of April 2024) to 49.

CWD-positive deer have been found in Wyandot (37), Marion (10), Hardin (1), and Allen (1) counties. 

Testing of the deer is performed in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, USDA. 

Many deer infected with certain diseases may not show visible symptoms, making it crucial for hunters to have any harvested deer tested.

According to the CDC, if a deer tests positive, it should not be consumed. Testing helps protect hunters and their families from potential health risks.

Late stage symptoms of the disease include staggering while walking, drooling, and being emaciated and disoriented. 

More information is available at ohiodnr.gov.