Vermont Plans for Deer Disease Despite Absence of Cases

The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife collaborated with the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Vermont to create a plan for managing chronic wasting disease (CWD) in white-tailed deer, even though the disease has not yet appeared in the state. Between September 2023 and September 2025, staff facilitated a structured decision-making process involving seven state and federal agencies.

The group developed models to predict deer population, disease spread, hunter behavior, and economic impacts. They then evaluated over 256 potential management strategies, using multi-criteria decision analysis to balance competing priorities.

Researchers found that early disease detection through surveillance was the most effective proactive measure. The agencies used the resulting insights to formulate a preferred response plan, detailing the technical aspects of the modeling and analysis undertaken. The plan aims to mitigate the effects of CWD should it arrive in Vermont.