Delaware Detects First Wild Deer Case of Chronic Wasting Disease, Initiates Response Plan

Delaware has confirmed its first case of Chronic Wasting Disease in a wild white-tailed deer, with USDA confirmation; a second deer is awaiting confirmation. DNREC has activated its CWD Response Plan, creating a 5-mile CWD Management Zone around the Sussex County harvest and planning cluster sampling, with possible mandatory deer check-ins for testing next season. There is no known human risk, but hunters should test meat and follow biosecurity guidance while officials conduct ongoing surveillance and hold public briefings.