Deadly ‘Zombie Deer Disease’ identified in Georgia. What comes next?

Headline: Georgia’s First Case of Fatal ‘Zombie Deer’ Disease Sparks Concern

FORSYTH, Ga. — In a worrying turn, Georgia has reported its first case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disorder that’s left wildlife experts racing to containment efforts. Known colloquially as "Zombie deer disease," CWD causes deer’s nervous systems to shut down until they eventually succumb.

Tina Johannsen of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says, "CWD was first identified in the 1960s in Colorado, and since then, it’s spread to 36 states." However, its appearance in Georgia last week has sparked concern among officials.

Johannsen warns, "Once CWD is on the landscape, it’s there to stay. We can’t eradicate it, treat infected deer, or produce a vaccine." The DNR aims to monitor and slow the disease’s progress. Their plans, developed 20 years ago, kick into gear following the confirmation of the first Georgia case.

Will Vinson, a Forsyth resident and lifelong hunter, shares his worry. "I’ve heard about CWD for years, but finding it in Georgia has me looking into it more. If it gets here, I’m done hunting until it’s safe again," he says. Vinson supplements deer diets in his hunting grounds, worrying about potential impacts on the local wildlife.

While Vinson’s concerns are understandable, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reassures hunters that there’s currently no evidence of CWD transmitting to humans. However, they advise not hunting sick-looking deer, testing meat before consumption, and wearing gloves when handling carcasses.

Johannsen explains, "CWD is caused by proteins called prions that misfold and damage the brain and central nervous system." Last week, an infected male deer was discovered near the Lanier county line in South Georgia. With the hunter and landowner’s cooperation, the DNR targets and kills deer that may have been in contact with the infected one.

"The more we know about CWD, the better equipped we are to manage it," Johannsen adds. Stay informed on Georgia’s efforts to combat this disease at Georgia Wildlife’s CWD page.