Risk of “zombie deer disease” low in northeast B.C.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Chronic wasting disease (CWD), sometimes known as “zombie deer disease,” has appeared in deer in the B.C. Kootenay Region, but the risk in the northeast is relatively low.

CWD is an infectious and fatal disease that affects animals in the cervid family, such as deer, elk, moose and caribou.

The term ‘zombie deer disease’ stems from the symptoms of CWD, which include weight loss, drooling, poor coordination, stumbling or being generally sick for no apparent reason.

According to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the cases in both B.C. and Alberta are reasonably distant from the northeast, but if the disease spreads in either province, the risk will increase.

The cases in B.C. were identified south of Cranbrook — the first was from a harvested male mule deer, and the second was from an adult female deer struck on a road.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency reference laboratory confirmed the diagnosis on January 31st.

The ministry says the B.C. and Alberta border has been identified as a high-risk zone for the movement of “zombie deer disease” into B.C., so surveillance is vital to ensure it is detected early and prevented from spreading to new areas.

“The response activities to the recent CWD detections in BC are focused in the Kootenay Region, but we must stay diligent in CWD efforts across the Province,” wrote the ministry.

The province implemented mandatory CWD testing, as well as restrictions on the transport and disposal of any road-killed cervids in the area where the first cases of the disease were found.

As noted in the map above, the restrictions apply within the initial response area.

The provincial wildlife veterinarian is leading the response with support from the CWD advisory committee and regional working groups. The working groups include First Nations, stakeholders, experts on CWD and other partners.

There is no direct evidence that the disease can be transmitted to humans, and there have been no cases in humans. However, Health Canada and the World Health Organization recommend people not eat meat or other parts of an animal infected with the disease.

The public is encouraged to report any sightings of deer, elk, moose or caribou exhibiting symptoms of CWD by contacting the Report All Poachers and Polluters line at 1-877-952-7277.

For surveillance and testing information, visit the province’s website.