Chronic Wasting Disease Management
Chronic wasting disease, or CWD, is a fatal disease of the central nervous system in deer and elk.
Since the first case of Chronic Wasting Disease was discovered in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources started a "targeted surveillance program" for CWD in wild deer which was first proposed by the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, a diagnostic and research service which investigates wildlife diseases.
This site provides consolidated CWD information including: CWD statistics that show the Total Cases per Year and Total Cases per Year per County, FAQ's, a query system for samples taken, test results for hunters, annual reports, and other CWD resources.
Below is an interactive map that contains all of the township sections where positive CWD samples were found. Click on the red box to see what years positive samples were reported for the section.
Pamphlet on Chronic Wasting Disease
Summary of Illinois’s CWD surveillance and management
CWD Management in Illinois: Fact or Fiction?
Explains various things you may have heard about CWD
Late-Winter Deer and CWD Hunting Permit Information
Document containing the season dates and counties that are open for the Late-Winter and CWD firearm seasons
Late Winter/CWD Deer Counties Map
Most recent map showing which counties are open for CWD and Late-Winter firearm season
Illinois Cumulative CWD-Infected Sections Map
Illinois Cumulative CWD-Infected Sections as of June 30, 2021
CWD Check Station Locations Map
Map of all mandatory check stations in Northern Illinois
CWD Testing Locations By County – Where to Get Your Deer Tested
Chronic Wasting Disease Test Results
Check your test results by entering your phone number you provided with your sample
Chronic Wasting Disease Query System
Find the number of CWD-positive cases and samples collected by year, by county, or statewide
Firearm Deer Hunting Regulations for CWD Counties
Instructions and check station locations for hunters in CWD counties
-
Regulations for Special White-Tailed Deer Season for Disease Control
Illinois Department of Agriculture’s CWD Webpage
Find advice for deer hunters and meat processors on how to field dress deer and cut up carcasses to avoid prions and more.
List of sampling vendors and head drop-off stations to have your deer tested at no cost for CWD
Interactive map to find your nearest CWD testing location
Videos
Below is a series of videos:
- Part 1-Introduction,
- Part 2-Testing CWD Samples,
- Part 3-Sharpshooting,
- Part 4-Common Questions, Research and Safe Handling of Deer.
Note: Click on the title "Illinois Chronic Wasting Disease Management" (top strip) for viewing