Deer harvesting will continue as the B.C. government tests for chronic wasting disease (CWD).
The first two cases of the disease detected in B.C. were found in deer samples picked up south of Cranbrook in late January.
B.C. officials said this continued effort comes after the province called for a harvest of up to 25 deer within 10 kilometres of the initial detection site.
This was meant to get a minimum sample size to help wildlife experts track any possible spreading of CWD in the area.
Fortunately, no additional cases have been found so far.
“Since the initial detection of CWD, additional samples have been collected from the affected area through collection of roadkill, opportunistic sampling and two animals harvested specifically for testing,” said the provincial government.
“Test results have all been negative for CWD, however, more samples are needed to better understand the extent of the outbreak.”
All deer samples that test negative for CWD will be given back to the community or donated to food banks.
The province is working with Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡiʾit (Tobacco Plains Band) to help with the ongoing harvest.
“A general wildlife permit will be issued to Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡiʾit to collect up to 20 mule deer (primarily males) and five white-tailed deer (males only) by March 31, 2024,” said the provincial government in a previous statement.
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal infectious illness that affects animals in the cervid family, such as deer, moose and elk.
B.C. officials said there is no evidence that humans can be infected with CWD, but experts still recommend that you avoid eating contaminated meat.
This comes after the B.C. government enacted restrictions in response to CWD being detected in the South Country.
Residents can help keep an eye out for the illness as well.
“The public is encouraged to report any sightings of deer, elk, moose or caribou exhibiting any of these symptoms: weight loss, drooling, poor co-ordination, stumbling, generally sick with no obvious reason, to the 24/7 Report All Poachers and Polluters Line (1 877 952-7277),” said B.C. officials.
More: RDEK board discusses concerns regarding chronic wasting disease (Mar 11, 2024)
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