Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD): Signs and Symptoms
Although CWD has not been detected in Arizona, it is important for hunters to know the signs and symptoms of the disease as well as what to look for while in the field. Oftentimes, there are no outward signs that a deer or elk is infected until the animal is near death. However, signs that an animal has CWD can include:
- Drastic weight loss (wasting)
- Stumbling
- Lack of coordination
- Drooling
- Listlessness
- Excessive thirst or urination
- Drooping ears
- Lack of fear of people
It is often difficult to diagnose a deer or elk with CWD based on these symptoms alone, as they are very common with other wildlife diseases and malnutrition.
CWD cannot be identified in the field. There are no identifiable characteristics that you will find on organs, skin, bones, etc., that will allow you to identify if a deer or elk has CWD.
