(BALLARD COUNTY, Ky.) — Kentucky wildlife officials have confirmed a second case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Ballard County, marking the third overall detection of the fatal illness in the state’s wild deer population.
The infected deer was harvested during the 2025 modern gun season and tested positive through two independent laboratory analyses, according to state wildlife authorities. The detection occurred in the same general area where Ballard County’s first CWD case was identified in 2023.
No Changes to Current Regulations
Ballard County and surrounding areas already fall within Kentucky’s designated CWD Surveillance Zone. State officials said no changes to surveillance zone boundaries or deer management regulations are planned at this time.
CWD is a fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk, and other cervids. While there is no evidence the disease can spread to humans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends against consuming meat from deer that test positive or appear sick.
Hunters Encouraged to Help Monitor
Wildlife officials are urging hunters to continue supporting monitoring efforts by submitting samples from legally harvested and telechecked deer. Samples can be dropped off at self-serve CWD collection sites or submitted using free mail-in kits provided by the state.
“We appreciate the continued support of hunters and landowners as we work to monitor and protect Kentucky’s deer herd,” officials stated.
More information about CWD, surveillance zones, and Kentucky’s response plan is available at fw.ky.gov/cwd.
