Hunters across Saskatchewan reminded to test for chronic wasting disease

As hunting season begins to wind down, Saskatchewan’s environment ministry is reminding hunters to drop off animal heads so they can be tested for a concerning disease.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal and infectious disease that affects the nervous system of cervid species such as deer, moose, elk and caribou, the ministry said. Last year, 644 heads submitted by hunters tested positive, the ministry said, including two moose, 16 elk, 167 white-tailed deer and 459 mule deer.

Testing is free and available for animals harvested in any zone of the province, but the ministry noted that priority is given to heads collected “along the boreal fringe and the eastern border,” including zones 2W, 9, 10, 35, 37, 50, and 55, due to higher risk in those areas.

In a statement, Environment Minister Dana Skoropad said the testing program helps with conservation efforts to preserve the future of hunting in Saskatchewan,

“Hunting has a long and proud tradition in our province, and we want to ensure our world-class resources are available for future generations,” Skoropad said.

“That’s why it’s so important for hunters to submit samples for testing, especially in the targeted wildlife management zones. The results of these tests help the ministry monitor the spread of CWD, as well as develop plans to manage it.”

The ministry noted that no human cases of CWD have been documented, but recommended hunters avoid eating or distributing meat from animals that test positive. Any such meat should be disposed of.

While there is no known cure for CWD, the Government of Saskatchewan is providing funding to help develop a vaccine through a five-year partnership with the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Conservation Association.

Heads will be accepted until Jan. 21, and a full list of drop-off sites and instructions for submitting samples can be found on the provincial government’s website.