Deadly Deer Disease Found, 09 Nov, 2009

This was the first confirmed case of the deer disease in Whiteville, Columbus County, North Carolina reported today by our local newspaper the Whiteville News Reporter. The disease is called Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Symptoms: lethargy, disorientation, protruding tongue that is blue or black and with chronic thirst. The report says that hooves and antlers may split or shed prematurely, lose hair and appear to be malnourished. A Wildlife Enforcement Officer said that the disease could not be passed on to humans, that the meat is safe to eat but its very tough on the deer he said. From what I have read CWD is a cousin to Mad Cow disease but can not be passed on to cattle or other livestock.

The Wildlife Enforcement Officer said that hunters could help by taking their full bag limit and especially does because of over population. If you see a sick deer they don't want you to report it as all they can do is wait for the infected deer to die off. North Carolina hunters can find more on this at www.ncwildlife.org

Have a good hunting season!