COLUMBUS, Ohio – Concerned about the threat of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in white-tailed deer, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is hosting a series of open houses to educate the public on this fatal neurological ailment.
CWD poses a significant risk to white-tailed deer populations, and the Division of Wildlife is eager to engage with the community to discuss its biology, recent test results from the 2023-24 deer hunting season, ongoing efforts to contain its spread, and future management strategies. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights from Division of Wildlife experts.
The open houses will be held at the following locations:
- Marion County: Tuesday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in the Harding Room, 100 Executive Dr., Marion, 43302
- Hardin County: Wednesday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hardin County Fairgrounds in the Arts & Crafts Building, 14134 Letson Ave, Kenton, 43326
- Allen County: Thursday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the Johnny Appleseed Park Headquarters, 1682 Slabtown Road, Lima, 45801
- Wyandot County: Friday, April 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the Wyandot County Fairgrounds in the dining hall, 10171 OH 53, Upper Sandusky, 43351
The specter of CWD first emerged during the 2020-21 hunting season in Wyandot County, prompting the establishment of a disease surveillance area. Intensive monitoring efforts persist in Wyandot, Hardin, Marion, and Allen counties, where confirmed cases have been identified. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have not found strong evidence of CWD transmission to humans, vigilance remains paramount.
Since 2002, the Division of Wildlife has conducted routine surveillance for CWD, testing over 39,000 deer. Originating in the western U.S. in the 1960s, CWD has become a focal point for wildlife management agencies nationwide. More information about CWD can be found at ohiodnr.gov/cwd and cwd-info.org.
The Division of Wildlife’s mission is to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and enjoyment by all. For further details, visit wildohio.gov.
ODNR is committed to striking a balance between the prudent utilization and protection of natural resources for the collective benefit of society. Explore the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov for comprehensive information
