Second CWD-Positive Deer Confirmed in Oklahoma

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation reported Monday that a second wild white-tailed deer has tested positive for chronic wasting disease in Oklahoma.

ODWC said the deer was located about 15 miles east of Woodward in Woodward County after a landowner reported the deer behaving abnormally.

The first case of CWD in Oklahoma was confirmed in the first week of June in Texas County. This prompted the activation of the state’s CWD Response Strategy, which was produced by ODWC and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.

“We will be working through our response plan implementing surveillance efforts and steps to monitor and slow the potential spread of this disease. Our ultimate goal is to ensure healthy and well-managed deer with as little impact to either the resource or our constituents as possible,” said Jerry Shaw, Wildlife Programs supervisor with ODWC.

CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects the brain of deer, elk, moose, and other cervid family members. ODWC said the disease creates holes resembling ones seen in sponges. Currently, transmission of CWD from wild animals to people or livestock has never been documented.

The Wildlife Department said staff will continue to monitor for evidence of CWD within Oklahoma and release additional information. This information will include ways deer and elk hunters can help with detection and mitigation.