Deer in Canada Threatened by "Zombie Ailment," Hunters Potentially Endangered
In the world of wildlife, a concerning disease has been making headlines - Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This prion disease, which affects deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer, and moose, was first discovered in North America in the 1960s in the United States and has since spread to 26 states, including Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Montana.
In Canada, CWD made its debut in an elk farm in Saskatchewan in 1996, and since then, it has spread to wild deer. The first confirmed cases in British Columbia were only detected in 2024, near Cranbrook. As of now, the disease is spreading among deer populations in at least two provinces: Alberta and Saskatchewan.
The disease is of particular concern to hunters, as they are at a higher risk due to incorrect handling of carcasses or the use of contaminated meat. Infected animals can transmit the infection through their urine and saliva. Signs of CWD in animals include excessive salivation, lack of control, unusual behavior, increased urination, weight loss, and can be described as a 'zombie disease.'
However, there's no solid evidence that CWD can be transmitted from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported no known cases of CWD transmission from person to person. Similarly, the CDC advises that humans can potentially contract CWD by consuming contaminated deer or elk meat, but it has not been found to be transmissible to humans through casual contact or consumption of other animal products.
To minimise the risk, health experts recommend wearing latex or rubber gloves when dressing the animal or handling the meat, and not using kitchen blades for dressing. They also advise against capturing, consuming, or handling the meat of ill-looking deer. If possible, hunters are encouraged to have deer and elk tested for CWD before consumption.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency provides signs and symptoms of CWD, and the CDC advises that the prion protein that causes CWD remains transmittable when prepared. It's crucial to note that according to the CDC, CWD is deadly to pets, and no treatments or vaccines are available.
In light of these facts, it's essential for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts to stay informed about CWD and follow proper handling guidelines to ensure their safety and the continued health of our wildlife populations.
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