Georgia wildlife officials are urging residents to be vigilant for signs of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer following the disease’s first detection in neighboring Florida. CWD, a fatal neurological ailment with no available treatments, primarily affects deer, elk, and moose, resulting in the eventual death of infected animals.
Georgia’s Proactive Stance Against CWD
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) has not yet detected CWD within its borders. However, they have already implemented a CWD response protocol, standing ready to act if the disease surfaces. Surveillance for CWD has been a yearly practice in Georgia since 2002. Symptoms in infected deer are subtle, making early detection challenging. These symptoms, which appear over time, include dramatic weight loss, poor body condition, subtle head tremors, droopy head and ears, and excessive drooling in the late stages. The WRD encourages the public to report sightings of deer displaying these symptoms to their local WRD Game Management Office. While CWD is not known to be transmissible to humans, consumption of known CWD-positive deer is discouraged by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Florida’s First Encounter with CWD
The first known case of CWD in Florida was detected in a white-tailed deer in Holmes County. This has resulted in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and its partners initiating a comprehensive response plan. The FWC will collect samples from established zones to determine the extent of the disease’s spread. As part of their efforts to control the disease, FWC requests that anyone who sees a sick or abnormally thin deer or finds a deer dead from unknown causes contact the CWD hotline at (866) 293-9282. “We take very seriously our responsibility to prevent, detect, and respond to animal health issues in Florida – all to safeguard our agriculture industry and our world-renowned wildlife and natural resources,” said FDACS Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
The Fight Against CWD
Controlling the spread of CWD is difficult once it becomes established in a natural population due to the environmental persistence of prions shed by infected deer. “Our combined efforts will limit the effects this will have on Florida’s deer population and preserve our exceptional hunting opportunities for future generations statewide,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young.
FWC encourages public engagement in monitoring deer populations. More than 17,500 deer have been tested for CWD in Florida since 2002. The FWC will continue its efforts to safeguard Florida’s deer population and hunting industry. The wildlife community is committed to working diligently with state and federal partners to respond effectively to this evolving issue. For more information about CWD and FWC’s response plan, please visit their official website.
Understanding Chronic Wasting Disease
CWD is a contagious disease and presents a formidable challenge to wildlife health management due to its prolonged incubation period, subtle early-stage symptoms, and the fact that it can be transmitted both directly from animal to animal and indirectly from the environment. Despite its slow-progressing nature, it always proves fatal for the infected members of the deer family.
Further Actions
As part of their comprehensive response plan, the FWC, in collaboration with various partner agencies, is placing particular emphasis on understanding how far the disease has spread. Consequently, officials will intensify sample collection efforts from specific zones, leveraging the results to inform resource managers and guide appropriate management strategies.
The Role of the Public
Public cooperation is critical in managing and controlling the spread of CWD. The authorities encourage anyone who sees an unusually thin or sick deer, or a deer dead of unknown causes, to report it immediately. Prompt action is crucial as early detection can substantially help in managing the spread of the disease and preventing more animals from becoming infected.
Ensuring the Health of Wildlife for Future Generations
As these wildlife agencies unite to control and hopefully eradicate CWD, their shared goal is clear: to ensure the health of the deer populations and safeguard the exceptional hunting opportunities these states offer for future generations. Through the joint efforts of wildlife officials, hunters, and the general public, there is hope that the impacts of CWD can be minimized, preserving the wildlife and natural resources that are so integral to these regions. CWD is a substantial challenge, but with the combined efforts of wildlife officials and the active participation of the public, it is a challenge that can be met head-on. The health of our wildlife and the enjoyment of our natural resources for generations to come depend on it.
