Montana Wildlife Officials Confirm More CWD Cases 2025

As a hunter, chronic wasting disease (CWD) has always been on my radar, but watching it spread across 35 states has been nothing short of frustrating. Here in Montana, the disease first showed up in wild deer back in 2017, and it hasn’t slowed down since.

The latest cases can be viewed on the Montana FWP Chronic Wasting Disease page. So far this year, from July 2025 to the present, three cases out of 107 animals have been confirmed. You can also view a map to see the concentration of cases across Montana HERE.

So, what exactly is CWD? It’s not a virus or bacteria, but a prion disease. Meaning it’s caused by misfolded proteins that wreak havoc on the nervous system. Once an animal has it, there’s no recovery. It’s always fatal for deer, elk, and moose.

The scary part is how it spreads. According to the CDC, “scientists think CWD spreads between animals through contact with saliva, blood, urine or feces of an animal with CWD. They suspect it can also spread indirectly through the environment, such as in soil, drinking water or food.” In short, once it’s in an area, it’s tough to get rid of.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has been stepping up efforts: offering voluntary testing, upping tag numbers in CWD zones, tightening carcass transport rules, and encouraging hunters to properly dispose of remains. Hunters play a critical role too. By testing their harvests, reporting sick animals, and helping manage herd size, they’re on the front line of the fight.

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Final thought, if you’re hunting in Montana this season, do your part. Get your deer, elk, or moose tested. It’s one small step that helps protect the wildlife we all care about.