CWD-positive

CWD-positive means that an animal has been tested and found to be infected with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a neurological illness that affects deer, elk, and related species. CWD is caused by abnormal proteins called prions that damage the brain, leading to progressive weight loss, behavioral changes, and eventual death. Detection typically involves testing tissues from the animal, often after it has died. Being CWD-positive has important implications for wildlife management, as it can spread within populations and poses concerns for disease control and safety.