News Release

03-24-2025-White-tailed deer tests positive for Chronic Wasting Disease at Manassas National Battlefield Park

Date: March 24, 2025
Contact: Andrew Bentley, 703 361-1339

MANASSAS, VA — During recent white-tailed deer reduction operations and subsequent disease sampling, one deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) at Manassas National Battlefield Park. The animal was from the Prince William County, Virginia portion of the park. This is the first CWD-positive detection at Manassas National Battlefield Park.  

Manassas National Battlefield Park and other national parks in the area reduce deer populations to protect and restore native plants, promote healthy and diverse forests, and preserve historic landscapes. Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia national parks conducting deer reduction operations participate in CWD monitoring programs for wildlife health. Until 2024, all results for these parks had been negative. In 2024, three nearby national parks in Maryland and West Virginia – Antietam National Battlefield, Monocacy National Battlefield, and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park- received their first CWD-positive test results.       

There is currently no evidence that CWD can infect humans. However, it is recommended that tissues from CWD-infected animals not be eaten. The venison from the deer that tested positive for CWD was destroyed.     

Guidance to Park Visitors    

• If you see sick or dead wildlife, avoid contact with the animal and notify a National Park Service employee as soon as possible.     

• Most animals in parks are healthy and thrive in their natural environment, but sometimes wildlife can get sick just like people.    

• Always keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid touching or handling dead or sick wild animals. Some disease-causing organisms can be passed between wild animals and people.    

• National Park Service employees trained in wildlife health use specific protective measures to safely deal with a wild animal that may have died of disease.    

• It is recommended that people not eat any part of an animal that is suspected or confirmed to have CWD.    

Venison Donation    

• Whenever possible, the NPS donates all venison from its deer reduction operations to local food banks, consistent with NPS public health guidelines. All CWD positive meat is destroyed.    

• The NPS will continue to participate in monitoring of collected deer for CWD and will destroy venison testing positive for CWD, according to NPS guidelines.   

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