A public open house to learn more about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is scheduled for Friday, March 4 at the Wyandot County Fairgrounds, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The event will take place in the fairground’s dining hall from 6-7:30 p.m., located at 10171 OH 53, Upper Sandusky.

CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer and other similar species. During Friday’s open house, Division of Wildlife officials will discuss the biology of CWD, test results from the 2021-22 deer hunting season, efforts to slow the spread of the disease, and future management plans. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.

The disease was first detected in Ohio’s wild deer herd during the 2020-21 hunting season in Wyandot County. A disease surveillance area has been established in response to the confirmed cases, and intense monitoring will continue for at least three years in Wyandot, Hardin, and Marion counties. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no strong evidence that CWD is transmissible to humans. More information on CWD is available at ohiodnr.gov/cwd.

The Division of Wildlife has conducted routine surveillance for CWD since 2002, with more than 30,000 deer tested. CWD was previously detected at captive deer breeding facilities in Ohio. CWD has been detected in 26 states and four Canadian provinces.