ATKINSON COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) – Georgia wildlife officials have confirmed a preliminary positive case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a deer collected in Atkinson County, marking the latest expansion of the disease in South Georgia’s deer population.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the sample was taken on December 5 near the Berrien County line, only about 14 miles from the closest previously known CWD-positive location.

This marks Georgia’s ninth confirmed positive since January, when the state identified its first case in a hunter-harvested deer near the Lanier/Berrien County line. Since then, 398 deer samples have been submitted from the CWD Management Area (CMA), which now includes Atkinson, Berrien, Lanier, and Lowndes counties.

CWD is a fatal neurological disease affecting deer and other cervids. It is caused by infectious misfolded proteins known as prions, which spread through direct contact or contaminated environments. While there is no known risk to humans, the CDC urges hunters to test deer harvested in known CWD areas before consuming the meat.

Georgia DNR is encouraging hunters in the affected counties to make use of the free sampling locations, noting that test results typically take 2–6 weeks to return.

In an upcoming interview, Charlie Killmaster, Deer Biologist, will break down what hunters need to watch for, how the disease spreads, and what steps should be taken if a harvested deer tests positive. WALB also plans to speak with local hunters and a nearby meat processor to learn more about community concerns, how many people are getting their deer tested, and whether hunting habits are changing in response to the growing spread.

WALB’s Taylor Lewis will have more in our later newscast.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.