Chronic Wasting Disease Continues to Spread in Southeast
North Carolina becomes the latest state to detect CWD in its deer population.
Sport Hawk | 4.4.2022
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission announced in March the first case of Chronic Wasting Disease in its white-tailed deer population. North Carolina is now the 29th state to report at least one infection of CWD and immediately took steps to implement its CWD Response Plan, which wildlife officials say has been decades in the making. To date, there are no confirmed cases of CWD transmission from cervids (deer, elk, moose) to humans. However, several studies on primates raise concerns that it might be possible, though seemingly unlikely. Hunters in all states with CWD are encouraged to have their deer tested prior to consumption, which not only ensures food safety but also helps biologist identify and manage the scope of the outbreak.
Staff photo