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CWD & EHD by county

Wisconsin disease risk map.

CWD PositiveEHD: OccasionalFirst CWD 2002

Wisconsin confirmed its first wild CWD detection in 2002 in Dane County, becoming one of the first eastern states with established CWD. WI DNR runs free CWD testing and one of the country's most extensive surveillance programs. Most positive counties are in southern Wisconsin.

Verify before hunting

Confirm CWD management zones, sampling requirements, and carcass transport rules with Wisconsin DNR and USDA APHIS before hunting.

CWD detection timeline

CWD detection timeline

2000 – 2026

2002first2026recent

Wisconsin county detections

Where it's been found.

Counties below have CWD detection records on file. Click for the county-level page.

Green CountyLincoln CountyMarathon CountyRichland CountyWashburn CountyDane CountySauk CountyColumbia CountyWaupaca CountyEau Claire CountyGrant CountyIowa CountyJuneau CountyLafayette CountyOneida CountyPortage CountyAdams CountyRock CountyWalworth CountyCWD-positive county · click for record19 counties

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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin.

  • Is CWD present in Wisconsin?+

    Yes. Wisconsin has confirmed CWD detections since 2002. Verify current management-zone boundaries with Wisconsin DNR.

  • What are the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?+

    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 Wisconsin?+

    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

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More Wisconsin data

← All state disease maps