Public meeting planned after CWD detected in Edgecombe County

Public meeting planned after CWD detected in Edgecombe County

EDGECOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — State wildlife officials will hold a public meeting after Chronic Wasting Disease was recently detected in Edgecombe County.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission will host the meeting Thursday, Aug. 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the East Carolina Agricultural and Education Center in Rocky Mount.

Edgecombe County is the newest location in North Carolina where CWD has been confirmed. The disease affects deer populations and can be unintentionally spread by hunters through the improper disposal of deer carcasses.

Wildlife officials will explain new rules, testing procedures and the surveillance area created following the detection. Hunters can also learn about expanded opportunities available through the state’s Chronic Wasting Disease Management Assistance Program.

Officials say the meeting is especially important because the upcoming season will be the first full deer season since CWD was confirmed in the county.

Seven North Carolina counties have now reported infected deer.

The East Carolina Agricultural and Education Center is located at 1175 Kingsboro Road. More information about CWD, testing and surveillance areas is available at ncwildlife.gov/CWD.