Quebec deer disease means popular Rudolph stand-ins sidelined for now
MONTREAL — Quebec’s efforts to control a deadly deer disease may end up depriving the province of a couple of popular Rudolph stand-ins this holiday season.
The province has been grappling with chronic wasting disease detected this year in three farm-raised deer. And Serge Michaud and the red deer he named Rudolph 1 and Rudolph 2 are feeling the impact.
Michaud said he was told last week the animals, a fixture at Christmas parades and events in the province, need to stay penned as investigations continue to determine the extent of the disease. He was forced to cancel a parade appearance in Riviere-du-Loup, Que. last Saturday.
“They embody Rudolph — the companion of Santa Claus — and we dress up as elves and take part in Christmas parades, at product launches, for photos with the public,” Michaud explained.