(INDIANA) - The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has confirmed three new cases of chronic wasting disease in wild white-tailed deer during the 2025-2026 hunting season.
The cases were detected in Noble, Franklin and Rush counties. Chronic wasting disease, or CWD, is a neurological illness that affects deer and is always fatal.
State biologists say the Noble County case was found near the edge of an existing CWD-positive area, prompting an expansion of that zone. It now includes LaGrange, Steuben, DeKalb, Noble, Allen and Whitley counties.
Enhanced surveillance is also planned in Franklin and Rush counties, where the additional cases were confirmed. Officials say that effort relies on voluntary testing of hunter-harvested deer.
There have been no reported human cases of CWD. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends not consuming meat from infected animals.
The disease spreads through direct contact between deer and contaminated environments, and it can persist in soil for years. Animals in advanced stages may show weight loss and abnormal behavior.
Hunters can have deer tested for free through DNR sampling sites or participating businesses. Residents who encounter sick or dead wildlife are asked to report it to the DNR.