Manitoba Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources is advising of the detection of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the southern-central region near Winkler.
CWD is an incurable, fatal disease that affects members of the deer family (cervids) including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose, and caribou. Animals infected with CWD may appear healthy until the later stages of the disease. If the disease spreads and becomes endemic to Manitoba, there is a serious risk that CWD will threaten the health of all cervid populations in the province.
First detected in Manitoba in 2021, a total of 26 cases have been identified including 22 mule deer and four white-tailed deer. The latest case, a female white-tailed deer, was identified by a biological sample submitted by a hunter from the Winkler area. This new detection is in an area of Manitoba with no previous detections. Until this time, positive cases have occurred only in two distinct and localized areas along the province’s western border.
CWD is not known as a human health risk but meat from a CWD-infected animal is not recommended for consumption. Hunters who are active in areas where CWD is a concern should get harvested animals tested, practice safe carcass-handling protocols and avoid consumption of any animal that has tested positive for CWD.
The province thanks hunters for participating in efforts to manage CWD by submitting samples to the provincially run testing program. Testing turnaround times have improved considerably in 2023-24, now averaging approximately 6 to 8 weeks following the submission of a sample.
Sample results from harvested animals will be posted at gov.mb.ca. Hunters with questions or concerns about an animal that has been harvested can call 1-204-638-4570.
For more information, visit manitoba.ca.
