Georgia Takes Proactive Steps to Safeguard Wildlife from CWD
Georgia is on high alert, with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) calling on residents to join in efforts to protect the state’s wildlife from the looming threat of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). As the disease spreads across neighboring states, Georgia’s wildlife experts are working hard to prevent it from entering the state.
CWD, which has been confirmed in every state surrounding Georgia, has not yet made its way into Georgia’s deer population. But the DNR is not taking any chances. The agency’s Wildlife Resources Division recently issued a public plea, urging Georgians to help prevent the disease from spreading further south.
How CWD Affects Deer and Why It Matters
Chronic Wasting Disease is a fatal neurodegenerative condition that affects deer, elk, and moose. It is caused by abnormal proteins, known as prions, which target the brain tissue of infected animals. Symptoms include dramatic weight loss, poor body condition, and head tremors, but perhaps most worrying is how the disease spreads. It’s transmitted through contact with bodily fluids, feces, and contaminated environments.
While CWD can take over two years to fully develop, it eventually leads to death for affected deer. A deer with CWD may appear normal for quite a while, making early detection and intervention crucial. As of now, CWD has not been found in Georgia, but the threat is real, especially as neighboring states report increasing numbers of infected animals.
Why is this so important?
- CWD has devastating effects on wildlife populations.
- The disease can spread rapidly once introduced into an area.
- While the disease does not affect humans, it poses a serious risk to Georgia’s deer, a key species in the state’s ecosystem.
What You Can Do to Help
The DNR has outlined a clear set of actions residents can take to help keep CWD out of Georgia. These simple but important steps could be the difference in protecting the state’s wildlife. Here’s what you can do:
- Report sick deer: If you notice a deer with unusual symptoms, contact the DNR’s Game Management Office. Signs include drastic weight loss, drooping head and ears, and excessive drooling.
- Don’t move carcass parts: Do not transport deer waste, such as carcasses or parts, from one area to another. These materials can carry prions and help spread the disease.
- Never import live deer: Importing live deer of any species into Georgia is illegal. If you see any violations, report them immediately to DNR’s Law Enforcement Division at 1-800-241-4113.
- Properly clean deer parts: If you hunt, make sure to debone your meat, remove all soft tissue from skull mounts, and clean skull plates thoroughly.
It’s a collective responsibility. By taking these steps seriously, the public can help keep Georgia’s deer populations healthy and CWD-free.
DNR’s Call to Action: A Statewide Effort
The DNR’s message is clear: everyone in Georgia must play a role in preventing CWD. The disease is a slow-moving threat, but it is no less dangerous for that. The DNR has emphasized that while the disease has not yet crossed into Georgia, it is a risk that cannot be ignored.
For those who might not be familiar with CWD, it’s worth noting that while it poses no direct risk to humans, it does threaten the state’s deer population and the hunting traditions that many Georgians enjoy. If left unchecked, CWD could devastate local deer herds, impacting the ecosystem, local wildlife enthusiasts, and the economy tied to hunting and outdoor activities.
Georgia may be safe for now, but as the DNR continues to monitor the situation, it’s clear that the battle against CWD requires vigilance, cooperation, and proactive action.
