A recent case of chronic wasting disease has been confirmed in a deer hunted in the Kootenay region of British Columbia, bringing the total number of reported cases in the province to nine. The province announced the positive test result on Friday within a management zone established to control the spread of the disease.
The infected white-tailed deer was harvested near Jaffray, B.C., marking another instance of the fatal illness affecting species like deer, elk, moose, and caribou. Chronic wasting disease has been steadily spreading in the Kootenay region since its initial detection in the province last year.
To enhance disease surveillance, the province has introduced a special hunting program allowing hunters to harvest a third deer within the Kootenay chronic wasting disease management zone from Jan. 5 to Jan. 31. Hunters are required to submit samples for free testing and report any sick animals within the management zone.
All confirmed cases of chronic wasting disease in B.C., known as “zombie deer disease,” are concentrated in the Kootenays. The government is focused on preventing the disease’s transmission to other regions, particularly along the B.C.-Alberta border where efforts are being concentrated.
In Alberta, over 26% of tested mule deer were positive for chronic wasting disease in the last season. Prion diseases like chronic wasting disease are rare neurodegenerative disorders that can impact brain function in both humans and animals. While there is no direct evidence of transmission to humans, health authorities recommend avoiding consumption of infected animal meat.
The situation underscores the importance of continued surveillance and management efforts to curb the spread of chronic wasting disease in wildlife populations.