With hunting season approaching, the urgency of addressing chronic wasting disease (CWD) continues as a primary concern for hunters and property owners in the Florida Panhandle. CWD is a contagious, fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, moose, and caribou. Last year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed Florida’s first known case of CWD in a white-tailed deer in Holmes County and has since implemented new rules and regulations to control its spread. This disease poses significant economic and environmental risks for Florida’s rural communities.
The National Deer Association (NDA) is hosting a public meeting in Marianna aimed at addressing these concerns and informing the public about Florida’s ongoing response to this disease:
Wednesday, Sept. 4
6:30–8:30 p.m. (CDT)
Jackson County Agriculture Center
3631 Highway 90
Marianna, FL 32446
This event will bring together leading experts to discuss Florida’s strategy for managing CWD, the broader implications for conservation, and the economic impact on local communities. Nick Pinizzotto, President and Chief Executive Officer of the NDA, will provide a national perspective on CWD, highlighting trends and lessons learned from other states. Kip Adams, Chief Conservation Officer of the NDA, will offer insights into effective management strategies that could mitigate the spread of CWD and its potential repercussions. Corey Morea, Deer Management Program Coordinator for the FWC, will explain Florida’s comprehensive plan to combat CWD and how the public can get involved in protecting the state’s wildlife and economy.
Following the main discussion, experts will be available to take questions from the media.
All members of the media are invited to attend this discussion. For more information or to confirm attendance, contact Lauren Claerbout at 850-228-1353 or Lauren.Claerbout@MyFWC.com.