RALEIGH - The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has confirmed the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Franklin County. This marks the first detection of the disease in the county, signaling potential spread in the region.

The infected white-tailed deer, a 2.5-year-old female, was harvested by a hunter during firearms season. CWD, which is transmissible among deer, spreads through infected saliva, urine, feces, and the movement of infected carcasses and carcass parts.

The NCWRC emphasizes the importance of taking precautions when handling deer carcasses to prevent further spread of the disease. Hunters are urged to be cautious when transporting or disposing of deer remains, as these activities can contribute to the movement of CWD to new locations.

Efforts to monitor the distribution of CWD in North Carolina have been supported by the cooperation of hunters who have submitted samples for testing. Brad Howard, the Chief of NCWRC's Wildlife Management Division, acknowledges the disappointment of detecting the disease in Franklin County. However, he believes that these detections highlight the effectiveness of these surveillance efforts.

Howard explains, "This recent detection in Franklin County, along with the unexpected positive cases in Johnston and Cumberland counties, does not necessarily indicate rapid spread. It likely means that the sample submissions from hunters have helped identify areas where CWD has already established itself."

While CWD may not be spreading rapidly across the state, Howard stresses the need for continued testing of hunter-harvested deer to identify the disease's distribution. He also emphasizes the importance of safe carcass disposal, as inadvertently moving infected remains can introduce CWD to new areas.

The NCWRC urges hunters to remain vigilant and follow their guidelines for carcass transportation and disposal. Hunters are encouraged to submit deer harvested in Franklin and surrounding counties for testing. They can access an interactive map provided by NCWRC to find testing locations, and the map will be updated with additional locations throughout the hunting season.

In light of this confirmed detection, Franklin County will become a primary county for surveillance next year. However, the rules and regulations will not change during the current hunting season, considering the challenge of implementing changes while hunting is ongoing.

Hunters should be aware of the new detection in Franklin County and take necessary precautions to prevent the potential spread of CWD to other locations. The NCWRC recommends that whole deer carcasses and high-risk carcass parts remain in Franklin County or be taken to designated processors or taxidermists participating in the NCWRC's Cervid Health Cooperator Program for proper disposal and testing. Low-risk carcass parts, such as boned-out meat and finished taxidermy products, are safe for transportation outside of Franklin County.

As efforts to monitor and address Chronic Wasting Disease continue in North Carolina, the cooperation of hunters, cervid health cooperators, and the hard work of NCWRC employees in the field remain key factors in detecting and managing the disease.