Limited deer hunting will take place in the Kootenays this year as the state begins testing for chronic wasting disease.
The state says hunting will be limited to 25 deer and will take place within 10 kilometers of a positive case.
The goal is to determine if there are any more cases in the area. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a deadly infectious disease that affects species in the cervid family, including deer, elk, elk, and caribou.
The Department of Water, Land and Resource Management has issued a wildlife permit to the Tobacco Plains Indian Band to collect up to 20 mule deer (mostly males) and 5 white-tailed deer (males only) by March 31. It was announced that it will be done.
“After testing, all deer carcasses that test negative for CWD will be used by local residents or donated to food banks,” the ministry said.
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The state recently conducted CWD testing in the area. It also placed restrictions on the transport and disposal of road-dead deer if a case of CWD is found.
Officials say there is no direct evidence that CWD can be transmitted to humans, but Health Canada recommends against eating meat or other parts of animals infected with chronic wasting disease.
The public should report any sightings of deer, elk, moose, or caribou that exhibit any of the following symptoms: weight loss, drooling, decreased coordination, stumbling, or illness for no apparent reason. is encouraged.
Reports can be submitted to the RAPP (Report All Poachers and Polluters) line at 1-877-952-7277.
For more information about chronic wasting diseases, available online.
A map showing the areas where harvesting will take place is also included. available online.
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