Alabama disease risk map.
Alabama confirmed its first wild CWD detection in 2022 in northwest Alabama. The state has implemented a CWD Management Zone and ongoing surveillance. Verify the current zone boundary and transport restrictions with ADCNR before each hunt.
Disease detections, management zones, and transport rules change. Cross-reference this page with Alabama Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries (ADCNR) and the USDA APHIS distribution map before relying on it for hunting decisions.
CWD detection timeline
From first publicly-reported detection to the most recent year on record. Verify current detection counts with Alabama Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries (ADCNR).
Alabama county detections
1 county with seeded CWD records. The agency may have additional positive counties — verify before each hunt.
| County | FIPS | First / Recent | Source | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lauderdale County | 01077 | 2022 / 2024 | Agency → | Estimated — verify |
Carcass transport rules
If hunting in a CWD-positive area, follow your state agency's carcass transport rules — most agencies prohibit moving whole carcasses with brain or spinal tissue across designated zone boundaries. Verify the current rules with your state wildlife agency before transporting any harvest.
CWD testing
Most state wildlife agencies offer free or low-cost CWD testing of harvested deer at check stations or sample-drop locations during season. Contact the state agency for current testing locations and turnaround times.
EHD activity in Alabama
Alabama has historically experienced occasional EHD activity. EHD is a viral disease transmitted by Culicoides midges and is not transmissible to humans — meat from EHD-affected deer is safe to consume per state agency guidance. Outbreak years correlate with hot, dry conditions; localized die-offs can reduce hunting opportunity for a season but do not persist year to year the way CWD does.
Hunter FAQ — Alabama
Is it safe to eat deer harvested in Alabama?
Are there carcass transport restrictions in Alabama?
How do I get a deer tested for CWD in Alabama?
How often does Alabama get hit by EHD?
Where does Alabama's CWD/EHD data come from?
- Alabama Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries (ADCNR) — CWD →
- Alabama Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries (ADCNR) — EHD →
- USDA APHIS CWD Distribution Map →
- National Deer Association EHD Tracker →
Disease information is summarized for hunter awareness only. Always cross-reference with the state agency for legal, regulatory, and current-detection data.
Track herd health on your land.
Statewide disease maps tell you what to expect in general. Bield: Hunt logs every sick or recovered deer you find on your specific property — and surfaces patterns across seasons that would otherwise live in your camera roll and your memory.