With chronic wasting disease testing drop-off locations open for another year, hunters are encouraged to submit deer, moose and elk samples. A news release from the Environment Ministry says samples can be submitted from animals harvested anywhere, but there are wildlife management zones they are focusing on: (WMZ) 2W, 9, 10, 37, 47, 50 and 55.
CWD has been detected in 60 of the province’s wildlife management zones.

The province will also be testing wildlife for bovine tuberculosis in wildlife management zones 37 and 48, because it was detected in cattle in these areas earlier this year, but so far it hasn’t been detected in wildlife in Saskatchewan. Hunters with test samples of either disease can register online to get a tracking number and the sample should be double bagged before being brought to any drop off location.

CWD is an infectious central nervous system disease in cervids such as deer, moose, and elk, for which there is no known cure. It is always fatal in affected animals, and high infection rates can impact populations. The disease has become established across most of southern Saskatchewan, so testing helps the Ministry to monitor the spread and manage conservation efforts.

Bovine TB is a contagious, chronic bacterial infection that causes chronic debilitation and weight loss, and typically affects the respiratory system of affected animals. While it is possible for bovine TB to spread from animals to people, it is extremely rare.

You can register your test samples here.

Click here for more information on bovine TB. Bovine Infographic