Kootenay East MLA Tom Shypitka is urging the B.C. government to take a stronger stance against chronic wasting disease (CWD).
Shypitka said B.C. should devote more funding to protect the province’s wildlife.
“The insufficient funding for wildlife conservation resonates deeply in my riding of Kootenay East and through British Columbia,” said Shypitka.
“Despite our global reputation for natural beauty, we fall behind other jurisdictions in allocating resources to protect our wildlife populations. This has consequences for wildlife and ecosystems, and leaves them vulnerable to threats such as infectious diseases.”
CWD was found in B.C. for the first time in late January. The illness was detected in two deer samples from the Cranbrook area.
Shypitka said this disease presents a serious threat to B.C.’s wildlife.
“With no known vaccines or treatments available, the disease poses a significant risk of rapid environmental transmission,” said Shypitka.
“Once contracted, it is 100 per cent fatal.”
Officials note that there is no evidence that humans can catch CWD, but health experts still recommend against eating any part of an infected animal.
Chronic wasting disease is an infectious and fatal illness that affects the cervid family, such as deer, elk, moose and caribou, and was first spotted in B.C. in the south country area.
B.C. has a mandatory testing program in place for any deer killed in the area.
More: B.C. enacts restrictions in response to chronic wasting disease (Feb 13, 2024)
Shypitka said hunters have been an important part of monitoring for CWD.
“Hunters show a real commitment to taking care of the environment, often acting as the unsung heroes in our efforts to protect nature in our province,” said Shypitka.
Shypitka said he has been a long-time advocate for reforming B.C.’s wildlife management strategy.
“My constituents are concerned at how chronic wasting disease will impact our deer, elk and moose populations. With it now in our province, it’s more important than ever that we act fast to tackle this issue,” said Shypitka.
The MLA has previously put forward private members’ bills aimed at doing just that.
More: Local MLA says private members’ bill will support B.C. wildlife (Apr 20, 2023)
Shypitka offered some solutions that could help deal with CWD.
“Firstly, we must establish an emergency response fund dedicated to swiftly addressing CWD-positive cases in cervids,” said Shypitka. “Secondly, we must invest in in-province testing facilities and safe disposal measures. This includes local accredited laboratories to significantly lower testing turnaround times, allowing for faster responses.”
Previous: B.C. government to harvest and test deer for chronic wasting disease (Mar 14, 2024)
Previous: B.C.’s first cases of chronic wasting disease found near Cranbrook (Feb 1, 2024)
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