Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
Chronic wasting disease among deer continues to plague the Kootenay region, according to the provincial government that has confirmed yet another (fourth) case.
This case was confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on Friday, Nov. 29 in a sample collected from a white-tailed deer harvested in October near Cranbrook.
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an infectious and fatal disease affecting the nervous system in cervid species including deer, elk, moose and caribou.
The province reports there is no direct evidence that the disease can be transmitted to humans; there have been no reports of cases of disease in humans. However, to prevent potential risk of illness, Health Canada recommends that people do not eat meat of an infected animal. Cooking temperatures cannot destroy the abnormal protein that causes CWD if an animal is infected.
The province is working in collaboration with First Nations, stakeholders, and the hunting community in monitoring and mitigating risks of the disease.
More than 3,000 samples have been collected from the Kootenay region with only four cases of CWD to date, which indicates a low disease prevalence.
Government officials say the current situation affords an opportunity to efficiently contain the disease in this area, therefore, the province is gathering data to help guide decisions and reduce the risk of spread.
“Ongoing vigilance, preventative measures and enhanced surveillance are crucial to managing chronic wasting disease and protecting cervid populations and the communities that rely on them,” the province says. People are encouraged to keep submitting their deer, elk and moose samples to improve the information during the ongoing response.
Restrictions remain in place for the transport, testing and disposal of deer, elk and moose carcasses, as parts of the animal can spread disease to new regions.
Most infected animals will not show any symptoms of the disease. However, if anyone sees any deer, elk, moose or caribou exhibiting symptoms such as weight loss, drooling, poor coordination, stumbling, or generally sick, report it to the Report All Poachers and Polluters Line at 1-877-952-7277 or the B.C. Wildlife Health Program.
