Two cases of 'zombie deer disease' confirmed in B.C.

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Chronic wasting disease found in two deer in the Kootenay region. (Archive photos)

Radio-Canada

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The government of Colombia British announced that chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been confirmed in two deer, a first in the province.

Nicknamed zombie deer disease, CWD is deadly and incurable. It affects deer, such as moose, caribou and elk, and is spreading rapidly in western Canada.

It was first detected in Manitoba in March 2023. In May, a provincial survey in Alberta found the disease was present in 23% of samples collected during the 2022-2023 hunting season.

In response, the British Columbia government implemented a disease surveillance program to reduce the risk of spread.

C&# x27;is this program which has just confirmed the presence of the disease in two deer in the Kootenay region, in southeastern British Columbia.

The two positive cases were discovered south of Cranbrook, about 85 km west of the Alberta border. The first case was from an adult male mule deer, and the second was from an adult female white-tailed deer. The diagnoses were confirmed on January 31 by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

The Ministry of Water Management, BC Lands and Resources says there is no direct evidence that the disease can be transmitted to humans. He adds that CWD has never been detected in humans.

LoadingThe agreement in principle between the FAE and Quebec narrowly accepted

The agreement in principle between the FAE and Quebec narrowly accepted

ELSELSE ON INFO: The agreement in principle between the FAE and Quebec narrowly accepted

“However, to prevent any risk of transmission or disease, Health Canada and the World Health Organization recommend not consuming meat or other parts of an animal infected with the disease chronic debilitating disease”, specifies the Ministry in a press release.

The press release indicates that follow-up work will be carried out in the region to try to contain the propagation. People living in the Cranbrook area should avoid feeding deer or handling animal carcasses.

Animals with the disease may lose weight, salivate excessively, have poor coordination, trip, or act sickly.

People who see an animal that has antlers and who exhibits these symptoms are asked to report it to the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

More information is available at provincial website (New window).