Where in North America is CWD found?
Chronic wasting disease is relatively rare. CWD occurs in wild deer and elk in northeastern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming (around the areas where CWD first appeared in wildlife research facilities). CWD has not been reported in wild deer and elk in Canada. Since 1981, fewer than 200 cases have been documented in the wild, mostly in mule deer. It is estimated that the incidence in the affected counties of Wyoming and Colorado ranges from LESS THAN 1 percent of elk to 5 percent of mule deer. Incidence in domestic herds is even more rare. So far, 13 herds of domestic elk with incidences of CWD have been found in the United States. Seven have been depopulated or released from quarantine; six remain under quarantine. Canada has found eight herds with cases of CWD, including the Canadian source herd, 16 elk have tested positive for CWD to date. Currently, over 180,000 domestic elk are being raised in North America.
