"Understanding Chronic Wasting Disease: Essential Information for NC Hunters"

Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a highly transmissible disease caused by abnormal proteins in the brain, has been detected in deer in North Carolina, with 11 known cases statewide. The disease leads to weight loss and death in infected animals. While there have been no reported cases of CWD in humans, precautions are being taken to prevent it from entering the human food chain. Hunters are urged to continue testing harvested deer and safely dispose of carcasses to prevent the spread of the disease. Despite the detection of CWD, the overall health of the deer population in Western North Carolina is said to be good, with increased hunting opportunities being considered in certain counties.