CWD & EHD by county
New Mexico disease risk map.
New Mexico confirmed its first wild CWD detection in 2002. NMDGF runs ongoing surveillance focused on mule deer in affected units. Verify current testing requirements per hunt unit.
Confirm CWD management zones, sampling requirements, and carcass transport rules with New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and USDA APHIS before hunting.
CWD detection timeline
CWD detection timeline
2000 – 2026
New Mexico 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 New Mexico
New Mexico sees rare 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, New Mexico.
Is CWD present in New Mexico?+
Yes. New Mexico has confirmed CWD detections since 2002. Verify current management-zone boundaries with New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
What are the New Mexico 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 New Mexico?+
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 New Mexico?+
Rare 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 sourceNew Mexico Department of Game and Fish
- EHD sourceNew Mexico Department of Game and Fish
- FederalUSDA APHIS — Chronic Wasting Disease
- Hunter resourceNational Deer Association
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