Indiana Confirms CWD in Franklin County, Expands Regional Surveillance

Indiana DNR confirmed three chronic wasting disease (CWD) cases in wild deer from Franklin, Rush, and Noble counties for the 2025-26 season. The finding expands the state’s CWD Positive Area to LaGrange, Steuben, DeKalb, Noble, Allen, and Whitley counties and triggers enhanced surveillance in Franklin and Rush. Testing is voluntary and free for legally harvested deer, with CDC advising against consuming CWD-positive meat; no human cases have been reported. Hunters can submit samples via DNR head drop sites or participating businesses, while Purdue’s ADDL offers paid testing.