COLUMBUS__The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife conducted a Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance area in Hardin, Marion and Wyandot counties, where sampling is mandatory for all deer harvested during the seven-day gun season, Monday, Nov. 27 to Sunday, Dec. 3.

 The Division of Wildlife confirmed that six deer in the disease surveillance area have tested positive for CWD since the summer of 2023, including one in Hardin County, the county’s first. Since the fall of 2020, 28 wild deer have tested positive for CWD: 21 in Wyandot County, six in Marion County, and one in Hardin County. A disease surveillance area in those three counties remains in effect. A sample was recently discovered in Allen County that requires additional testing.
 
CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer and other similar species, including mule deer, elk, and moose. No evidence exists that CWD can spread to humans, pets, or livestock.
 
Within Hardin, Marion and Wyandot counties, hunters are required to submit deer harvested during the seven-day gun season, Nov. 27-Dec. 3, for testing. Successful hunters are not required to surrender their deer. Those with questions about having their deer sampled can call (419) 429-8322. Outside of the disease surveillance area, hunters can have harvested deer tested by the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory which can be reached at (614) 728-6220. 

The ODNR Division of Wildlife has conducted routine surveillance for CWD since 2002, with more than 39,000 deer tested. CWD has been detected in 31 states and four Canadian provinces. 
 
The Division of Wildlife is responsible for protecting and managing Ohio’s fish and wildlife resources for the benefit of all Ohioans. We greatly appreciate the cooperation of hunters in monitoring Ohio’s deer herd. For more information about CWD, visit wildohio.gov, contact your county wildlife officer, or call (419) 429-8322.
 
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more. 
 
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at www.ohiodnr.gov.