Preventing the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in B.C.

Last updated on September 20, 2024

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been confirmed in the Kootenay Region. New regulations are in place for the 2024 hunting season to support CWD surveillance and help to prevent the disease from spreading to new areas.

How to prevent the spread

Once CWD is introduced to an area it is unlikely that the disease will be eradicated completely. However, if caught early, attempts can be made to contain the disease to limit further spread. Understanding what causes CWD and limiting risky activities is key to preventing the spread of CWD to new areas.

Infected animals will shed prions into the environment around them (through bodily fluids) and all parts of the carcass may contain prions. As such, vectors for disease spread can include live infected animals, infected carcasses and contaminated material, such as hay or equipment.

Natural animal movement can spread disease locally. People can transport carcasses and contaminated materials farther distances.

See the response and management page for more information on managing disease prevalence locally.

Human activities that increase CWD risk

There are human activities that increase the risk of CWD spread in B.C.

These activities include:

Transporting cervid carcasses from areas affected by CWD into and within B.C.
Using cervid-based products (scents) that can contain CWD prions
Importing hay and feed materials from areas affected by CWD
Baiting, feeding and other attractants (e.g., salt blocks) can concentrate animals and create disease hot spots

Hunting regulations and restrictions

New regulations and restrictions have been put in place to help to reduce the risk of CWD spreading to other parts of B.C. These regulations and restrictions apply within a CWD Management Zone (PDF, 1.6MB) which includes 14 Wildlife Management Units (MUs) within the Kootenay Region (MUs 4-1 to 4-8 and 4-20 to 4-25).

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Hunting regulation - cervid carcass transport

The transport of brain tissue or spinal column (except for the tail) of any cervid, harvested within CWD Management Zone (MUs 4-1 to 4-8 and 4-20 to 4-25), is prohibited outside of the CWD Management Zone. Transport of brain tissue or spinal column is permitted within the CWD Management Zone to allow for submission of CWD samples.

For more information, see page 15 of the Regulations Synopsis (PDF, 12.2MB).

Hunters should contact the Wildlife Health Program at 250-751-3219 or CWD@gov.bc.ca to discuss options for transporting cervids where travel outside of the CWD Management Zone is required for access to a CWD freezer.

Best practices for field dressing in CWD areas

To limit the spread of CWD within the CWD Management Zone it is advised that all non-edible parts of the animal are left at or near the kill site, or disposed of safely at a landfill or designated disposal site. De-boning the animal at the kill site is the best practice to limit any waste material that is transported away from the harvest site.

For more information, see these instructional videos on how to field dress and de-bone animals in CWD areas:

Restrictions for roadkill

All deer, elk, moose and caribou found dead and collected from the initial response area must be submitted to a government testing site or drop-off location for testing. Designated disposal sites for road killed cervids include the Central Regional Landfill - 600 Eager Hill Road or the Cranbrook Wildlife Office. To arrange drop-off at the Cranbrook Wildlife Office contact Ken Walburger at ken.walburger@gov.bc.ca or 250-420-6371 (during business hours). The transport, disposal and use (for trapping) of road killed cervids in the CWD Management Zone is regulated by the Chief Veterinary Officer under authority of the B.C. Animal Health Act. A General Order CWD2024-002 (PDF, 255 KB) was issued in September 2024 and applies to the boundaries of the CWD Management Zone (PDF, 1.6MB), defined as MUs 4-1 to 4-8, and 4-20 to 4-25.

Information for trappers

Any road killed cervid collected in the CWD Management Zone for the purposes of trapping must be tested and confirmed negative for CWD before the carcass can be used for bait.

Mandatory CWD testing

Visit the surveillance and testing page for information on mandatory CWD testing requirements and sample drop off locations.

Safe game meat handling

Hunters and butchers that are processing game are reminded to wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, eyewear and aprons to limit contact with blood and tissues while cutting hunted meats. They are recommended to follow good handwashing and hygiene practices.

All equipment and utensils used in the processing of uninspected meat and meat products should be cleaned, washed and sanitized immediately after processing, and prior to being used for processing other meat. For more information, please refer to the BC Centre for Disease Control guidelines (PDF, 1MB).

Contact information

For wildlife-human interactions where public safety may be at risk call the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line:

1 877-952-7277

For wildlife health inquiries or reports:

Wildlife Health Office
250-751-3219

Wildlife Health Email
CWD@gov.bc.ca

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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