UPDATE: A preliminary positive case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has just been confirmed in Atkinson County, Georgia, raising urgent concerns among local hunters and wildlife authorities. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported this critical development earlier today, as the disease poses a significant threat to the state’s deer population.
The deer in question was collected for disease monitoring near the Berrien County line, approximately 14 miles from the nearest previously known CWD-positive deer. DNR officials are urging hunters to remain vigilant and participate in disease monitoring efforts.
“We applaud hunters and private landowners for their efforts so far this season,”
said DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in managing CWD and ensuring a healthy deer herd.
This latest detection adds Atkinson County to the expanding CWD Management Area (CMA), which now includes Berrien, Lanier, and Lowndes counties. Since confirming its first positive case in January 2025, Georgia has reported a total of 398 samples submitted from CMA counties, with nine returning positive results.
In response to this urgent situation, the Georgia DNR has established new free sampling locations throughout Atkinson County and surrounding areas. All hunters within the CMA are encouraged to have their deer tested for CWD. Testing results typically take between 2-6 weeks to process. Detailed information about testing locations and results is available at GeorgiaWildlife.com/CWD.
To combat the spread of CWD, additional deer will be harvested around each detection site as part of a cluster sampling strategy. This proactive measure is vital for understanding how far the disease has spread and determining the prevalence rate in the area.
CWD, first identified in 1967 in Fort Collins, Colorado, is a fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk, and moose, caused by infectious prions. Currently, there are no known treatments or preventative vaccines for this disease. CWD has been reported in 36 states and 5 Canadian provinces, although there is no evidence of transmission to humans. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises hunters to test animals from CWD-affected areas before consuming the meat.
With the situation rapidly evolving, local hunters and residents are encouraged to remain informed and proactive in their efforts to monitor and manage this serious wildlife health issue. As authorities continue to assess the extent of CWD in Atkinson County, the collaboration of the hunting community will play a crucial role in protecting Georgia’s deer population.
For further updates and information on CWD management efforts, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/CWD.
