Per CDC:
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a prion disease that affects deer, elk, moose and similar animals. It has been reported in the United States, Canada, Norway, Finland, Sweden and South Korea.
Key points
Chronic wasting disease affects deer, elk and similar animals in the United States and a few other countries.
The disease hasn't been shown to infect people.
However, it might be a risk to people if they have contact with or eat meat from animals infected with CWD.
Reducing risk
When hunting in areas with CWD activity, follow these steps to reduce your risk of contact with the disease:
Do not shoot, handle or eat animals that look sick or act strangely.
Do not touch or eat meat from animals found dead (roadkill)
When field-dressing a deer or handling meat:
Wear latex or rubber gloves
Avoid handling its internal organs, especially the brain or spine.
Do not use knives or other tools you use in your kitchen.
Check state wildlife and health department recommendations before you hunt. See if they recommend or require testing animals for CWD is the hunting area. Recommendations vary by state.
Strongly consider having the deer or elk tested for CWD before you eat the meat. If your deer is processed commercially, consider asking to have your animal be processed individually. This ensures you are only getting meat from your animal. If your animal tests positive for CWD, do not eat meat from that animal.
To learn more visit: About Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) | CWD | CDC
