Understanding CWD and EHD in Iowa: What Hunters Should Know for 2026
noUnderstanding CWD and EHD in Iowa: What Hunters Should Know for 2026
I remember the drought of 2012. It barely rained, grass turned brown, ponds dried up, ag yields were catastrophic across the state, and then deer began to die. This was the first time I remember chatter from Iowa deer hunters getting really concerned about the amount of dead deer they were finding across the state. For most of us, this was our first experience with the devasting effects of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD). There were droughts since 2012, and more tough years of hunting.
Now, deer hunters in Iowa pay close attention to herd health. Two diseases shape that conversation every year: Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD). Both affect deer in different ways, and both can change how hunters plan their season.
As we move toward 2026, the Iowa DNR continues to monitor these diseases closely. While the agency has not released a year-specific outlook for 2026, their long-range plans and current reports give us a clear picture of what hunters should expect. Understanding these diseases, how they spread, and how hunters can help is a key part of protecting Iowa’s deer herd for the future.
CWD
CWD is a slow-moving but serious disease. It is caused by a misfolded protein called a prion. These prions build up in a deer’s brain and lymph nodes and slowly damage the nervous system. CWD is always fatal. Deer can carry the disease for months or even years before showing signs, which makes it hard to detect early. The Iowa DNR expects CWD to continue spreading slowly across the state, just as it has in nearby states. This slow expansion is part of a long-term trend, not a sudden spike. The DNR’s 2025–2030 CWD Response Plan outlines increased testing, more surveillance in high-risk counties, and continued work with hunters to track new cases.
According to Iowa State University Extension and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, during the 2025–2026 hunting season, there were 135 positive cases found in 29 counties. Iowa’s DNR and Iowa State University set up a system in 2019 that lets any hunter send in a deer sample for CWD testing, even if the deer doesn’t qualify for normal checks or the county has already met its testing goals. The test uses a lymph node found just behind the jaw. If you plan to mount the deer, a taxidermist can take the sample. If not, you can bring the whole deer or just the head to a local DNR office, and staff will pull the sample for you. You can find out more information on the Iowa DNR’s website. Additionally, you can monitor the case count on the Iowa State University’s website.
EHD
EHD is very different. It is caused by a virus spread by tiny biting midges. These insects thrive in late summer and early fall, especially during hot and dry weather. Drought will dry up puddles, streams, and concentrate deer around stagnate water. This puts a lot of deer in contact with biting midges that can spread the disease. When conditions are right, EHD can cause sudden die-offs in small areas. Deer often die near water as they try to cool down from fever. Unlike CWD, EHD does not linger in the environment. Outbreaks end quickly once the first hard frost kills the midges. The Iowa DNR does not issue year-specific EHD forecasts, but drought conditions can increase risk. For the most part, Iowa stayed out of the drought zone for most of the summer. Still, EHD remains unpredictable, and some years pass with very few cases.
Know The Signs
Hunters should know the signs of both diseases. CWD symptoms include weight loss, drooling, stumbling, and a lack of fear of people. EHD symptoms include fever, swelling around the head or neck, excessive salivation, and sometimes a blue tongue. Sick deer should always be reported to the Iowa DNR. Early reports help biologists track disease spread and respond quickly.
The Iowa DNR offers clear tips to help combat CWD. One of the most important things you can do is to avoid feeding deer or placing mineral sites. These practices gather deer into tight groups, which increases the chance of spreading prions through saliva, urine, and feces. Hunters should also dispose of carcasses properly. High-risk parts like the brain and spinal cord should be taken to a landfill or buried deeply so other deer cannot reach them. The DNR encourages hunters to submit samples from harvested deer, especially in counties with known CWD cases. Testing is the only way to confirm infection. Hunters should also follow carcass-transport laws, which limit how whole deer or certain parts can be moved across the state lines. These rules help prevent accidental spread of the disease.
What to Do
You can discourage spreading EHD by using clean water tanks and keeping pond banks steep so mud does not dry out. Instead of piling food or minerals directly on the dirt, use food plots to spread deer out and place mineral mixes in mineral tubs. Moving these tubs to new spots often keeps the dirt clean.
Understanding CWD and EHD helps hunters make better choices. It also helps protect the future of deer hunting in Iowa. These diseases are part of the landscape now, and they will continue to shape herd health. But hunters play a major role in managing them. Reporting sick deer, following carcass rules, avoiding feeding sites, and staying informed all make a difference. The Iowa DNR relies on hunters to help track disease spread and keep the herd strong.
Hunters who understand these patterns will be better prepared for the season. They will also help protect a resource they care about. Deer hunting in Iowa has a long tradition, and keeping the herd healthy ensures that tradition continues for future generations.
