The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has confirmed chronic wasting disease (CWD) in white-tailed deer in two additional counties. Positive test results were recorded in hunter-harvested deer from Dickson and Williamson counties, representing the first detections of the disease in these areas. CWD is a progressive and fatal neurological disease that affects cervids, including deer, elk, and moose.
The detection of CWD in Dickson and Williamson counties does not currently require changes to feeding or transportation regulations, as neither county borders the existing CWD Management Zone. In response, the TWRA plans to increase surveillance by expanding CWD sampling in the affected areas. TWRA is also encouraging hunters to assist in disease monitoring by submitting harvested deer for testing. According to TWRA, a newly launched “Earn-a-Buck” program provides incentives for hunters to harvest antlerless deer in Dickson and Williamson counties and submit them for testing to support ongoing surveillance efforts.
So far this hunting season, approximately 9,186 samples have been submitted for CWD testing. Hunters can submit samples through drop-off freezers, participating taxidermists, or meat processors. Additional information on CWD, including testing participation and results, is available at CWDinTN.org, which also provides freezer locations and a list of participating processors and taxidermists.
Following the recent CWD detections, the TWRA continues its efforts to manage and conserve the state’s wildlife and ensure public safety through regulation and education. Hunters play a key role in these efforts, as each submitted sample contributes data to help monitor and control the spread of the disease.
