How Chronic Wasting Disease in Delaware Impacts Hunters and Residents

After 23 years of comprehensive testing, Delaware found its first case of chronic wasting disease in 2026. What exactly does this mean for deer hunters? While the disease doesn’t affect humans, there’s still information Delawareans should know.

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Wildlife Mortality Survey

If you see sick wildlife, or dead wildlife where it looks like the cause of death is an illness, please report it to the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. If you see five or more sick or dead wild animals at the same location, please also call division staff at 302-735-3600

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Reporting Sick or Dead Wildlife

Wildlife disease surveillance, prevention, and control are crucial factors for safeguarding Delaware’s citizens, wildlife, pets, and livestock. Citizen reports help state biologists monitor wildlife populations in Delaware. Delaware has confirmed its first case of Chronic Wasting Disease, or CWD, in a wild white-tailed deer. Immediately following confirmation, DNREC

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Chronic Wasting Disease

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) affects the brain and nervous system in members of the family Cervidae, such as deer, sika, elk or moose. Delaware has now confirmed its first case of CWD in a wild white-tailed deer. State wildlife officials are responding under Delaware’s Chronic Wasting Disease Response Plan and taking

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