First Confirmed Case of Chronic Wasting Disease in Kentucky

The first case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been confirmed in Kentucky, raising concerns for the state's deer and elk population. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects animals in the deer family, but there is no evidence to suggest it can be transmitted to humans. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has activated a CWD response plan, including setting up a surveillance zone and special regulations in western Kentucky. Hunters are encouraged to donate deer heads for testing and report sick animals. Eating meat from animals that have tested positive for CWD is advised against.