Deer hunting season is underway in Georgia, and state officials are closely monitoring the health of the state’s deer population.
Georgia’s first case of chronic wasting disease was identified in January at the tail end of last year’s deer season.
Since then, two other cases have been found, and disease management areas have been set up in Lanier, Berrien, and Lowndes counties.
Charlie Killmaster is the state deer biologist. He recommends hunters in those counties test any deer they harvest, even if they look healthy.
“From the time a deer contracts the disease, until they show symptoms and become visibly ill could be anywhere from 18 to 30 months,” he said. “So in fact, most deer that will test positive for it may not — will not have symptoms yet.”
While there is no evidence that chronic wasting disease can be transmitted to humans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people discard any meat that tests positive for it.
Hunters can find participating processors, taxidermists, and self-service testing sites here.
