Chronic Wasting Disease
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a transmissible, always fatal, neurological disease that affects deer and other cervids such as elk, moose and reindeer/caribou.
CWD was detected in North Carolina in March 2022. In response, CWD Surveillance Areas with special regulations have been established.
CWD Testing Locations Full Screen
CWD Mandatory Sampling
During the 2025-26 deer hunting season there is no required mandatory sampling in the surveillance areas. Thanks to the support of hunters, Cervid Health Cooperators, and Commission staff, we exceeded CWD sampling goals by collecting more than 23,000 CWD samples during the 2024-25 hunting season. Voluntary CWD testing is available through drop-off freezers and Cervid Health Cooperators located across the state.
On This Page Jump Links
Off