PLEASE READ BEFORE USING PHOTOS

The photos below depict cervid species with confirmed late-stage CWD infections. It is important to note that the vast majority of free-ranging cervids infected with CWD appear completely normal. This is because there is an extended incubation period (ranging between 12 and 30+ months) between infection and the onset of clinical disease. In most cases, animals with CWD show no visible signs of the disease for all but the last few months of the disease process. Thus, the majority of infected animals are impossible to outwardly distinguish from uninfected animals. Because CWD affects the central nervous system of infected animals, other causes of mortality (predators, vehicle collisions, other diseases) often remove infected animals from the population before outward signs of the disease become apparent. This is one reason that sick or dead animals with typical signs of CWD are found only occasionally by hunters, wildlife watchers, and the public.  

It is also important to note that the clinical signs exhibited in the example photos below are not sufficient to definitively diagnose CWD. There are other maladies and diseases that can mimic the signs of CWD such as brain abscesses, meningeal worms in elk, trauma-related injuries, or hemorrhagic diseases. Currently, conclusive diagnosis of CWD requires testing of the brain, tonsils and/or lymph nodes after death.  

The below photos have been generously provided to the CWD Alliance by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the University of Wyoming, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. These photos may be downloaded and utilized as images in CWD-related articles or reports. Appropriate credit to both the source and the CWD Alliance is required.   

Photo Credit: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Photo Credit: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Photo Credit: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Photo Credit: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Photo Credit: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Photo Credit: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Photo Credit: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Photo Credit: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Photo Credit: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
CWD deer foaming at the mouth
Photo Credit: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
CWD positive deer
Photo Credit: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission