DNR Expands Fight Against CWD After the Deer Disease Crops up in Hennepin and Clay Counties

Minnesota’s fight against chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer has expanded following confirmed infections near Greenfield in western Hennepin County and Hawley in Clay County, which borders Fargo.

The positive test results were detected in antlered bucks harvested by hunters during the firearms season. The two findings will trigger new surveillance measures that will affect many deer hunters in Deer Permit Areas 266 and 701.

“This finding is concerning because it indicates possible new areas of CWD prevalence in wild deer where it hasn’t previously been detected,” said Erik Hildebrand, wildlife health supervisor with the Department of Natural Resources.