The case occurred just a few miles outside the 30-mile radius that the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services identified to activate their response plan, but it’s close enough that heightened concerns triggered a proactive and integrated approach. 

The state is encouraging increased surveillance at cervid farms, including testing in all animals that die for any reason and monitoring for illness and abnormal behavior. Deer hunters may be asked to submit additional samples of their harvest this coming deer season, especially in the area closest to Virginia’s confirmed case. 

North Carolina has been testing for chronic wasting disease, a fatal ailment in cervids like deer and elk, since 1999. However, the bulk of testing has occurred since 2018, when the state adopted a robust annual statewide surveillance strategy. 

Farmers can report concerns to the state’s veterinary division at 919.707.3250 and the public can report sick or abnormally acting deer to the N.C. Wildlife Helpline at 866.318.2401 during business hours or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..