Chronic Wasting Disease Head Testing Available to Hunters Until January 8

Released on December 20, 2017

Chronic wasting disease – a fatal, infectious central nervous system disease found in deer, elk, reindeer and moose – was confirmed in three new wildlife management zones in 2017.  The newly-identified zones are 44, 39 and 3.  Chronic wasting disease has now been confirmed in 32 of Saskatchewan’s 83 wildlife management zones.

“Chronic wasting disease, commonly called CWD, is a fatal disease known to result in population declines,” Ministry of Environment’s Executive Director of Fish, Wildlife and Lands Branch Brant Kirychuk said.  “This disease is obviously expanding on the landscape and remains a concern for wildlife management in the province.

“Hunters are encouraged to test their harvested animals for the disease.  Heads must be submitted to a Ministry of Environment field office no later than January 8, 2018.”

So far this season, 36 animals have tested positive for CWD.  Samples include 30 mule deer and six white-tailed deer.  CWD-positive animals ranged from one-and-a-half to 11 years of age, with most positives about three to four years of age.

Although a human case of CWD has never been identified, hunters are encouraged not to eat or distribute for human consumption, the meat or other parts from animals that have not been tested, or that are found to be CWD-positive.

For more information on CWD, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/environment-public-health-and-safety/wildlife-issues/fish-and-wildlife-diseases/chronic-wasting-disease.

To find information on how to submit a sample for testing, visit the Saskatchewan CWD submission and tracking website at www.cwdsk.ca/.

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For more information, contact:

Michele McEachern
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0412
Email: michele.mceachern@gov.sk.ca