CWD & EHD by county
Colorado disease risk map.
Colorado is the historical origin region for CWD in wild cervids — the disease was first identified in captive mule deer in the 1960s and confirmed in wild populations by 1981. CPW manages CWD across most of the state's deer and elk units. Verify current testing requirements per game management unit.
Confirm CWD management zones, sampling requirements, and carcass transport rules with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and USDA APHIS before hunting.
CWD detection timeline
CWD detection timeline
1979 – 2026
Colorado county detections
Where it's been found.
Counties below have CWD detection records on file. Click for the county-level page.
Carcass transport rules
If hunting in a CWD-positive area, follow your state agency's carcass transport rules — most agencies prohibit moving whole carcasses with brain or spinal tissue across designated zone boundaries. Verify the current rules with your state wildlife agency before transporting any harvest.
CWD testing
Most state wildlife agencies offer free or low-cost CWD testing of harvested deer at check stations or sample-drop locations during season. Contact the state agency for current testing locations and turnaround times.
EHD activity in Colorado
Colorado sees occasional EHD outbreak history. EHD is not transmissible to humans, and meat from clinically healthy deer is safe to consume. Watch for the disease-specific signs reported by hunters and biologists in late summer.
Hunter FAQ
Common questions, Colorado.
Is CWD present in Colorado?+
Yes. Colorado has confirmed CWD detections since 1981. Verify current management-zone boundaries with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
What are the Colorado carcass transport rules?+
If hunting in a CWD-positive area, follow your state agency's carcass transport rules — most agencies prohibit moving whole carcasses with brain or spinal tissue across designated zone boundaries. Verify the current rules with your state wildlife agency before transporting any harvest.
How do I get CWD testing in Colorado?+
Most state wildlife agencies offer free or low-cost CWD testing of harvested deer at check stations or sample-drop locations during season. Contact the state agency for current testing locations and turnaround times.
How active is EHD in Colorado?+
Occasional EHD outbreak history. EHD is not transmissible to humans and meat from clinically healthy deer remains safe to consume.
Is venison from CWD or EHD-affected deer safe to eat?+
EHD is not transmissible to humans. For CWD, the CDC and major health agencies recommend that hunters test deer harvested from CWD-positive zones and not consume meat from animals that test positive. No human cases of CWD have been documented.
Primary sources
- CWD sourceColorado Parks and Wildlife
- EHD sourceColorado Parks and Wildlife
- FederalUSDA APHIS — Chronic Wasting Disease
- Hunter resourceNational Deer Association
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