CWD & EHD by county
Iowa disease risk map.
Iowa confirmed its first wild CWD detection in 2013 in the northeastern Driftless region. Iowa DNR offers free CWD testing in positive counties. The state has a strong EHD outbreak history, particularly in dry years.
Confirm CWD management zones, sampling requirements, and carcass transport rules with Iowa DNR and USDA APHIS before hunting.
CWD detection timeline
CWD detection timeline
2011 – 2026
Iowa 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 Iowa
Iowa sees frequent 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, Iowa.
Is CWD present in Iowa?+
Yes. Iowa has confirmed CWD detections since 2013. Verify current management-zone boundaries with Iowa DNR.
What are the Iowa 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 Iowa?+
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 Iowa?+
Frequent 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 sourceIowa DNR
- EHD sourceIowa DNR
- FederalUSDA APHIS — Chronic Wasting Disease
- Hunter resourceNational Deer Association
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