Georgia faces rising threat of chronic wasting disease as neighboring states report infections

The Georgia State Legislature's Natural Resources and the Environment Committee convened on January 27, 2025, to discuss critical issues affecting the state's wildlife, particularly focusing on chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer populations.

During the meeting, experts highlighted the concerning spread of CWD, a fatal neurological disease affecting deer, which has now reached Georgia. Unlike other diseases that may fluctuate in prevalence, CWD's impact is likened to an escalator, gradually increasing if not managed effectively. This underscores the importance of proactive measures to control the disease's spread and maintain low infection rates among deer.

Committee members noted that while Georgia has historically been free from CWD, neighboring states have reported confirmed cases, raising alarms about potential transmission. South Carolina remains the only adjacent state without reported cases, prompting discussions on the need for vigilance and monitoring in Georgia.

A significant point of discussion was the recent discovery of a positive CWD case in Georgia. The source of this infected deer remains unknown, with officials emphasizing the need for further investigation before drawing conclusions about its origin. The committee acknowledged the urgency of addressing this issue to prevent a wider outbreak that could affect the state's deer population and ecosystem.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the critical need for ongoing surveillance and management strategies to combat the spread of chronic wasting disease in Georgia, ensuring the health of the state's wildlife and the interests of local hunters and communities.