Elk NetworkCWD Spreading Across Central Canada, Hunters Asked for Help

Conservation | November 14, 2018

Wildlife officials in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan discovered chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a new wildlife management zone, meaning the disease is now confirmed in 45 of Saskatchewan’s 83 wildlife management zones.  Thirty-four cases of CWD have been identified in the province this year.

The new case involved a 3½ year-old elk bull in zone 42E, south of Melfort that was submitted as part of the ministry’s voluntary CWD surveillance program.

“Hunters play a key role in helping identify the presence and spread of chronic wasting disease in Saskatchewan,” Environment Minister Dustin Duncan said.  “The information collected through the submission of heads is vital to understanding how the disease is impacting wildlife populations in the province and efforts that can be taken to slow the spread of the disease.”

CWD is a fatal neurological (brain and nervous system) disease found in cervids – deer, elk and moose. The disease attacks the brains of infected animals and produces small lesions that result in death. There is no cure; once an animal is infected, it will die.

For more information about CWD, go to the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance website.

Go here to find more information about the latest CWD reports in Saskatchewan.