Province takes steps to curb spread of fatal disease found in B.C. deer, moose
![Mule deer A mule deer is shown in a file photo from Shutterstock.com](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2020/9/4/mule-deer-1-5092995-1627406073165.jpg)
The B.C. government is taking steps to curb the spread of a disease that's deadly for deer, elk, moose and caribou after the discovery of the province's first cases last month.
A statement from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship says the government has introduced mandatory testing for chronic-wasting disease in the area where those cases were detected in samples from two deer.
B.C. is also restricting the transport and disposal of any deer or similar animals in the area stretching south from Cranbrook to the Canada-U.S. border and spanning a portion of the southeast corner of the province.
The ministry is asking anyone who sees an animal in the deer-family exhibiting signs such as weight loss, stumbling or general sickness to report the sighting.
The statement says there is no direct evidence that the disease can be transmitted to humans, but to prevent any potential risk of illness, Health Canada recommends that people do not consume the meat of an infected animal.
The province's surveillance and response plan for chronic-wasting disease was finalized last summer, and says the diagnosis of a case in the province “has the potential for far-reaching conservation, social and economic impacts.”
The ministry's statement issued Tuesday says B.C.'s wildlife veterinarian is leading the response to the detection of the cases with support from an advisory committee and regional working groups that include First Nations representatives, experts on chronic-wasting disease and other stakeholders.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 13, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula to win the U.S. Open for her third Grand Slam title
Aryna Sabalenka got past Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in a rollicking U.S. Open women’s final Saturday to win her first championship at Flushing Meadows and third Grand Slam title of her career.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.
Trudeau insists he's staying on as Liberal leader. But what if he changes his mind?
The Liberal caucus is set to meet in Nanaimo, B.C., next week for a retreat ahead of the fall parliamentary sitting. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insists he will lead his party into the next election despite polls citing his unpopularity among Canadians. Here's a look at what would happen if he decided to call it quits.