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Published on January 25, 2025
Georgia Detects First Case of Chronic Wasting Disease in Deer, Prompting Swift Action by Wildlife OfficialsSource: Unsplash/ Philipp Pilz

The emergence of Chronic Wasting Disease in Georgia, a condition previously unseen in the state's wildlife, has prompted action from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). A white-tailed deer harvested by a hunter in Lanier County was the first to test positive for CWD, which is always fatal to deer, elk, and moose and has been documented in various regions across North America.

According to an announcement by the DNR, cited by FOX 5 Atlanta, this initial case has led to the establishment of a CWD Management Area in Lanier and neighboring Berrien counties. The Georgia Recorder reported that the state is taking steps to collect additional samples for testing in a management territory that encompasses a five-mile radius from where the infected animal was found.

Despite this concerning development, DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon assured, "Working together with our hunters and all Georgians, we will manage CWD and maintain healthy deer herds," in a statement obtained by both FOX 5 Atlanta and The Georgia Recorder. The condition, related to but distinct from mad cow disease, notably lacks evidence of transmission to humans, but authorities, including the CDC, advise caution when consuming meat from affected areas.

Hunters in the region are advised by the DNR to take certain precautions, such as avoiding transport of live deer and proper disposal of carcasses, to prevent spreading the disease. Furthermore, the DNR, in collaboration with several organizations, including the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, will continue updating the public as they learn more about the disease, which was first identified in 1967 in Colorado. The state has enforced certain restrictions on deer movement since 2005 to prevent such outbreaks, highlighted by The Georgia Recorder.

Residents are urged to be vigilant and report any deer that appear sick or behave abnormally to local wildlife authorities. The DNR's immediate response reflects an understanding of the importance of quick action to manage the spread of CWD, underscoring an issue of significant concern for the region's wildlife and those who partake in hunting practices.