The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has recently detected chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a white-tailed deer harvested by a hunter in Humphreys County, marking this as the first instance of the fatal disease in the area. According to a TWRA announcement, this discovery came just as the 2025-26 deer season concluded last weekend. CWD is a degenerative disease that affects the nervous system in deer and other cervids leading to death.
Following the end of the season, the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) convened in January to discuss potential modifications for deer management strategies in light of this development. The Commission plans to finalize the changes they talked about at their next meeting in March. Previous discussions can be watched on the TFWC’s January meeting recordings for those interested in the pandemic's impact on local wildlife management.
Hunters in Tennessee have played a pivotal role in the surveillance and monitoring of CWD by providing approximately 11,000 samples for testing during this hunting season to certified laboratories, as highlighted by the TWRA. The continued collection and testing of samples is essential for mapping the spread of CWD and responding effectively to its presence. TWRA provides various options for hunters to submit samples, including via taxidermists, meat processors, or through the use of dedicated drop-off freezers across the state.
For those seeking further information on CWD or to view test results, TWRA offers resources online. The importance of managing and conserving the state's wildlife not only serves the interests of Tennesseans and visitors but is essential for ensuring the sustainability of species affected by diseases like CWD. The Agency also emphasizes public safety, combining wildlife management with law enforcement and educational efforts on waterways. Interested parties can visit the TWRA website for detailed information.
