Three of 62 white-tailed deer sampled during 2024 that tested positive for chronic wasting disease were found in Montgomery County, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Chronic wasting disease is a neurological disease found in deer, elk, and moose.
Hunters can refer to Wildlife and Heritage Service’s website for updated information on chronic wasting disease and the chronic wasting disease management area.
“Unfortunately, chronic wasting disease continues to spread nationally, regionally, and within the state of Maryland,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer said in a news release.
“As the disease spreads within Maryland, we will continue to monitor it closely to provide the public with reliable information and manage the impact on our deer herd.”
Maryland’s chronic wasting disease surveillance program began in 1999 and to date, more than 15,706 deer have been tested. A total of 1,312 samples from 2024 were submitted for laboratory testing.
Chronic wasting disease was first confirmed in Maryland in February 2011. Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia have all documented the disease in the region. The latest findings bring the number of positive cases in Maryland to 285.
According to the Department of Natural Resources, research suggests the disease cannot be naturally transmitted to humans. However, as a general safety precaution it is recommended hunters avoid consuming the meat of sick animals as well as the brain, lymph nodes or spinal column of any deer — all of which are normally removed during the butchering process.
Hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts should report any emaciated or unhealthy deer or animals acting abnormally. Hunters can help by granting permission to the department to collect tissue samples from harvested deer. The department can be reached at 410-260-8540.
