CWD & EHD by county
North Dakota disease risk map.
North Dakota confirmed its first wild CWD detection in 2009. ND Game and Fish runs surveillance with most detections in the western part of the state. EHD outbreaks occur frequently along eastern river drainages.
Confirm CWD management zones, sampling requirements, and carcass transport rules with North Dakota Game and Fish Department and USDA APHIS before hunting.
CWD detection timeline
CWD detection timeline
2007 – 2026
North Dakota 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 North Dakota
North Dakota 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, North Dakota.
Is CWD present in North Dakota?+
Yes. North Dakota has confirmed CWD detections since 2009. Verify current management-zone boundaries with North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
What are the North Dakota 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 North Dakota?+
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 North Dakota?+
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 sourceNorth Dakota Game and Fish Department
- EHD sourceNorth Dakota Game and Fish Department
- FederalUSDA APHIS — Chronic Wasting Disease
- Hunter resourceNational Deer Association
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