A new case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been confirmed in a white-tailed deer harvested near Jaffray, the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship reported Jan. 9.

This marks the ninth confirmed case of the disease in the province.

CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects cervids, including deer, elk, moose and caribou. The disease poses a significant long-term risk to wildlife populations and ecosystem health.

This newly confirmed case was detected through testing of hunter-harvested animals within B.C.’s established CWD management zone in the Kootenay region. All confirmed cases in the province to date have been identified through surveillance efforts.

The province continues to work closely with First Nations, hunters, local and federal governments and non-government partners to monitor the disease and reduce the risk of further spread, the ministry said in a media release.

Actions underway include:

* enhanced surveillance and targeted sampling in affected regions;

* continued outreach with hunters, local governments and wildlife organizations;

* public education about safe handling, transport and testing of harvested animals;

* special targeted hunts in affected areas to support surveillance and disease-management efforts.

Hunter participation plays a key role in surveillance efforts. Sample submissions from harvested animals support early detection and help inform ongoing management and response actions.

Hunters may also participate in targeted management measures, including special hunts within the management zone, to help improve understanding of where the disease is present and inform response actions. Elsewhere in the province, voluntary sample submission from harvested animals continues to support early detection.

There is no direct evidence that CWD can be transmitted to humans. As a precaution, public health authorities recommend that people do not consume meat from animals infected with CWD.

All confirmed cases of CWD in B.C. to date have been detected within the province’s established CWD management zone.

CWD is always fatal in infected animals and has no known cure.

The disease spreads through direct contact and contaminated environments.

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