Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal neurological illness that affects deer, elk, and moose, has now been confirmed in 18 Virginia counties, including a newly detected case in Page County.

Counties with confirmed cases:
Albemarle, Amherst, Augusta, Bedford, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Floyd, Frederick, Loudoun, Madison, Montgomery, Page, Pulaski, Rappahannock, Shenandoah, Warren, and Wythe.

Health experts emphasize that while CWD is always fatal in deer, there is no evidence it can be transmitted naturally to humans, pets, or livestock. Still, hunters are advised to use caution—particularly in counties where the disease has been confirmed.

If you hunt deer in Page County or other Disease Management Areas (DMAs):

• Test your deer. Use voluntary drop sites, cooperating processors, or taxidermists.
• Don’t move whole carcasses outside of DMAs. Dispose of parts at a landfill or leave them at the harvest site.
• Don’t feed deer. Congregating animals raises the risk of spread. Feeding is prohibited year-round in DMAs.
• Report sick deer. Call the Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003 if you see deer with drooping heads, rapid weight loss, or lack of awareness.

For details on testing locations and regulations, visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) website.

Jen Bailey

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