Ohio disease risk map.
Ohio confirmed its first captive-cervid CWD detection in 2014 and its first wild detection in 2020. ODNR has implemented a Disease Surveillance Area in affected counties. Ohio also has a frequent EHD outbreak history.
Disease detections, management zones, and transport rules change. Cross-reference this page with Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife 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 Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.
Ohio county detections
4 counties with seeded CWD records. The agency may have additional positive counties — verify before each hunt.
County pages
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 Ohio
Ohio has historically experienced frequent 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 — Ohio
Is it safe to eat deer harvested in Ohio?
Are there carcass transport restrictions in Ohio?
How do I get a deer tested for CWD in Ohio?
How often does Ohio get hit by EHD?
Where does Ohio's CWD/EHD data come from?
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife — CWD →
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife — 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.