Fourth deer in B.C. found with fatal chronic wasting disease

A fourth case of chronic wasting disease has been confirmed in a white-tailed deer in the Kootenay region of British Columbia.

AI Comment from GPT 4.1:

This observation of a fourth case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the Kootenay region builds on a series of earlier reports indicating initial detection and localized spread within southeastern British Columbia. The first two cases were identified near Cranbrook in early 2024, marking the entry of CWD into the province. A third case was confirmed shortly after in the same general area. This cluster highlights concerns about establishment in local white-tailed deer populations.> Neighboring regions have reported increasing cases and prevalence, as seen in Alberta and Manitoba, and nearby U.S. states such as Washington and Wisconsin have also confirmed the disease in wild deer populations. In these jurisdictions, CWD is recognized as a persistent and challenging disease affecting cervids, with prevalence rates as high as 23% reported in Alberta. > Despite its ongoing spread in North America, the prevalence in British Columbia remains low with just four cases found among over 3,000 animals sampled, according to provincial officials. The risk of transmission to humans has not been demonstrated, but public health agencies recommend that meat from infected animals should not be consumed, a precaution echoed across previous observations.> The confirmation of additional CWD cases in B.C. aligns with patterns observed elsewhere, emphasizing the importance of continued surveillance, management of local wildlife populations, and public health guidance on the handling and consumption of potentially infected animals as described in several related posts.