Manitoba expanding measures to contain chronic wasting disease in deer
Posted December 15, 2022 12:34 pm.
The Manitoba government is looking at actions to try and stop the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) affecting members of the deer family within the province.
According to the Natural Resources and Northern Development division, CWD is a highly contagious, incurable and fatal disease.
It is not known to have an impact on humans. However, it does impact mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose and caribou.
The province said the first case was detected in November 2021, and containment of deer affected is believed to have limited the spread of the disease to seven deer between Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Another effort the province is taking to limit the spread of the disease is opening a winter hunting season for mule deer.
The hunting season will be open from Dec. 19 to Feb. 5, 2023. More information on the hunting locations can be found here.
The province also says the mandatory sample submission area remains in effect. Tests of CWD will be conducted, and hunters will be notified of any positive results.
In addition, hunters are being advised to take extra precautions while handling deer carcasses and are advised not to consume any of the deer if it comes back positive for CWD.
