(Adrian St.Onge/CHAT News)

By Adrian St.Onge

Chronic wasting disease up in southern Alberta deer, moose, elk

Feb 16, 2024 | 10:21 AM

Chronic wasting disease, a fatal and neurological disease that afflicts deer, moose and elk, is growing in southern Alberta.

As British Columbia experiences it’s first two cases ever, the Bow Island and Oldman watersheds have seen a drastic increase.

In a statement provided to CHAT News, the environment minister’s office said the government is adapting to the changes in the spread of the disease along the Southern Foothills by increasing documentation and asking hunters to get their game meat tested prior to eating.

The disease is related to Creutzfeldt-Jakobs disease in humans and mad-cow disease in cows and bulls.

Since 2005, 5,455 deer, moose and elk have tested positive for the disease.

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While there is no clear link that humans can contract the disease, experts stress not to consume the meat if the animal tested positive for CWD.