Chronic wasting disease confirmed in Edgecombe County deer

EDGECOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed a positive test result of chronic wasting disease in a male white-tailed deer.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is considered the most important disease threatening North American deer, according to NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

CWD is thought to spread by animal-to-animal contact as well as contact with contaminated soils and plants.

There is no cure for the disease, and infected animals eventually die.

No changes to deer hunting regulations will be put in place this year for the remainder of the 2025-26 deer hunting season in Edgecombe and surrounding counties because of the positive test.

Any potential changes to deer hunting regulations would go into effect for the 2026-27 deer hunting season.

"Our goal is to manage the impacts of disease appropriately in our deer populations while keeping deer hunters and outdoor recreators satisfied with the opportunities available in Edgecombe and surrounding counties." said Biologist Miranda Turner.