<img class="size-medium wp-image-40152 alignright" src="https://theenterprise.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2020/10/fallow-deer-4026651_640-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has scheduled chronic wasting disease (CWD) public meetings in Culpeper, Floyd, Montgomery, and Pulaski counties for fall 2021. These outreach efforts may be affected by new COVID-19 restrictions, so please check the DWR CWD website at <a href="http://www.dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/diseases/cwd/">dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/diseases/cwd/</a>for updates. Virtual attendance via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaDWR">Facebook</a> Live is encouraged for the Culpeper and Montgomery County meetings. <strong>Montgomery County:</strong> <ul> <li>August 24, 6 – 8 p.m., Blacksburg High School Auditorium</li> <li>Concurrent virtual option for Montgomery via Facebook Live, please check DWR CWD website for details</li> </ul> <strong>Floyd County:</strong> <ul> <li>August 25, 6 – 8 p.m., Floyd County High School Auditorium</li> </ul> <strong>Culpeper County:</strong> <ul> <li>August 31, 6 – 8 p.m., Eastern View High School, Culpeper</li> <li>Concurrent virtual option for Culpeper via Facebook Live, please check DWR CWD website for details</li> </ul> <strong>Pulaski County:</strong> <ul> <li>September 15, 6 – 8 p.m., Pulaski County Middle School Auditorium</li> </ul> CWD has been confirmed in twenty-six states and three Canadian provinces. In Virginia, a total of 109 deer have tested positive for CWD since 2009. This incurable disease, found in deer, elk, and moose in North America, is a slow-acting and progressive neurologic disease that ultimately results in death of the animal. The disease-causing agent is spread through the urine, feces, and saliva of infected animals. Clinical signs of CWD, which typically do not develop for several months to over a year after exposure, include staggering, abnormal posture, lowered head, drooling, confusion, and marked weight loss. There is no evidence that CWD can be transmitted naturally to humans, pets, or livestock (with the possible exception of pigs). However, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends hunters test all deer harvested from known CWD-positive areas, wait until test results are received prior to consuming the meat, and do not consume any meat from animals that test positive for the disease. Regulations pertaining to CWD, maps of affected states, and information about CWD can be found on the DWR website at dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/disease/cwd.
