The Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (LADDL) has reported a suspect case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). The tentative diagnosis was made on samples submitted by LDWF staff from a hunter-harvested adult buck taken on private land in Tensas Parish.  The deer was emaciated when harvested, thus a high-value sample for surveillance.

If confirmed, this would be the first case of CWD found in Louisiana. “This is what we have feared,” said LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet. “We will count on the diligence of our hunters, property owners, deer processors and taxidermists in monitoring and helping to control the spread of CWD.”