Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
If you see a sick or abnormally thin deer or deer dead of unknown causes, please report its location to the CWD hotline: (866) CWD-WATCH (293-9282) or through the FWC Reporter app. The FWC has been testing deer since 2002. Learn more about how the FWC monitors for CWD.
CWD is a contagious disease of the brain and central nervous system that is always fatal to deer, elk, moose, caribou and other members of the deer family. It is one of the most serious wildlife diseases facing state wildlife agencies such as the FWC because it could substantially reduce infected deer populations. In addition to Florida, CWD has been detected in 30 states and 4 Canadian provinces. The FWC is working with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, hunters, captive cervid owners, landowners, and the public to reduce the risk of CWD spreading into Florida.
Receive CWD updates via email
The FWC uses GovDelivery to send email or text message updates on a variety of subjects. By signing up for this free service, you will automatically receive notifications about FWC news and website updates related to the topics of greatest interest to you. Visit the GovDelivery subscription page to sign up for this free service and choose “Chronic Wasting Disease Updates (CWD)” to receive information about CWD.
About Chronic Wasting Disease
Find out what CWD is, why it’s considered one of the most serious wildlife diseases, and how the FWC is working to protect Florida deer populations by reducing the risk of CWD. Note: This video was created prior to CWD being detected in Florida.
