TRCP’s senior scientist delves into the recent detection of CWD in Georgia and how we all have roles to play in safeguarding wildlife and the traditions we cherish.
I often find myself reflecting on the crucial role hunters play in conservation. With the recent confirmation of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Georgia, now is a pivotal moment to discuss what this means for hunters and the broader scientific community.
Understanding CWD
Chronic Wasting Disease is a fatal, neurodegenerative disease affecting cervids like deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. It is caused by prions, infectious proteins that target normal brain proteins and make them fold abnormally. Infected animals shed CWD prions in body fluids, potentially exposing other cervids during social encounters. CWD prions are highly resilient, persisting in soil and plants for years, and they spread through bodily fluids such as saliva and urine. Since its discovery in Colorado in 1967, CWD has spread to 36 U.S. states, parts of Canada, and even Europe.
CWD poses no documented risk to humans, but its parallels with other prion diseases, like Mad Cow Disease, have raised concerns about potential cross-species transmission. Current scientific priorities include understanding the different types of the disease, improving testing methods, and expanding efforts to monitor its spread
Why Georgia Matters
The detection of CWD in Georgia marks a significant turning point. This state has a robust hunting tradition and is home to diverse ecosystems that sustain both game species and non-hunting wildlife enthusiasts. The arrival of CWD could alter this balance, affecting hunting culture and wildlife management practices. For hunters, this confirmation should inspire a renewed commitment to vigilance. Testing wild-caught cervids for CWD isn’t just a precaution, it’s an act of stewardship. Hunters are on the front lines, acting as both participants in and protectors of healthy ecosystems
Testing and Vigilance
Hunters in CWD-affected areas should consider testing their harvested animals, especially when planning to consume the meat. Testing turnaround times vary by state, but they generally range from one to three weeks. This wait time might seem inconvenient, but it’s a small price to pay for safety and sustainability.
Here are some steps to make the testing process easier:
- Plan Ahead – Check your state’s testing requirements and find the nearest testing location before hunting.
- Field Dress with Care – Use gloves and avoid cutting into the spine or brain, where prions are concentrated.
- Utilize Resources – Many state wildlife agencies offer drop-off locations and guidance on sample submission.
By adopting these practices, hunters not only protect their families but also contribute vital data for monitoring CWD’s spread.
The Broader Impact
From a scientific perspective, Georgia’s confirmation of CWD underscores the need for continued research and collaboration. The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy recently emphasized gaps in our understanding of prions and their long-lasting presence in the environment. Working together across different agencies and scientific fields is key to improving testing, monitoring, and decontamination methods.
The fight against CWD requires a united front. Hunters, researchers, and policymakers all have roles to play in safeguarding wildlife and the traditions we cherish. Together, we can ensure that hunting remains a cornerstone of conservation for generations to come.
Learn more about CWD by clicking HERE
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