CWD & EHD by county

Virginia disease risk map.

CWD PositiveEHD: FrequentFirst CWD 2009

Virginia confirmed its first wild CWD detection in 2009 in northwest Virginia. VDWR has implemented multiple Disease Management Areas (DMAs) with mandatory sampling and feeding restrictions. Virginia also has a frequent EHD outbreak history.

Verify before hunting

Confirm CWD management zones, sampling requirements, and carcass transport rules with Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and USDA APHIS before hunting.

CWD detection timeline

CWD detection timeline

20072026

2009first2026recent

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 Virginia

Virginia 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, Virginia.

  • Is CWD present in Virginia?+

    Yes. Virginia has confirmed CWD detections since 2009. Verify current management-zone boundaries with Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

  • What are the Virginia 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 Virginia?+

    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 Virginia?+

    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.

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