If you observe a deer that appears sick or diseased, report it to the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) using the link below.
Recently deceased deer (i.e., dead less than two days) that appear to have died from something other than a hunter or a collision with an automobile should also be reported.
These reports will help WFF monitor the deer population for potential disease issues. The continued spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) makes enhanced disease surveillance efforts even more crucial.
It is NOT necessary to report:
- Road-killed deer
- Deer with obvious traumatic injuries (e.g., broken legs, missing patches of fur, etc.)
- Deer with other obvious causes of death (e.g., gunshot wounds, caught in fence, etc.)
Please report deer with the following symptoms:
- Excessive salivation/drooling
- Lack of wariness
- Wandering aimlessly/walking in circles
- Severe emaciation
- Drooping head
- Difficulty standing/obvious neurological issues
The symptoms listed above are typical for deer with chronic wasting disease but can also be caused by several other diseases of white-tailed deer, including brain abscesses and chronic cases of hemorrhagic disease.
