SPRINGFIELD, IL – Chronic wasting disease (CWD), often referred to as “Zombie Deer Disease,” has been detected in additional counties across Illinois, bringing the total number of affected counties to 25. The latest detections include cases in Putnam, Marshall, Adams, and Peoria counties, marking a continued spread of the disease across the state’s white-tailed deer population.
First documented in Illinois in 2002, CWD is a fatal neurological disease that has spread steadily, now affecting regions as far south as Adams County in west-central Illinois. The disease has been confirmed in key counties like Cook, Will, and Kankakee, deepening concerns over its geographic expansion.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), routine surveillance of hunter-harvested deer in February 2025 confirmed the presence of the disease in Putnam, Marshall, and Adams counties. Peoria County was added to the list after a 2-year-old deer displayed clinical symptoms of CWD.
CWD continues to pose a significant threat to Illinois’ deer population. Despite efforts by the IDNR to manage and slow the disease’s spread, its persistence is a growing concern for wildlife health. Although there is no evidence that CWD can be transmitted to humans, the CDC and World Health Organization recommend avoiding consumption of meat from infected deer.
IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie noted that Illinois remains a leader in CWD management, with the state’s efforts serving as a model for other regions. The IDNR will continue to monitor and manage the disease, holding public meetings later this year to discuss strategies and answer questions from hunters and landowners.
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