Ninth case of chronic wasting disease detected in BC Deer near Jaffray, wildlife threat intensifies, hunters urged to take precautions

A white-tailed deer harvested near Jaffray in southeastern British Columbia has tested positive for chronic wasting disease, marking the ninth confirmed case of the fatal neurological illness in the province and underscoring growing concerns about the long-term health of BC’s wildlife populations, provincial officials said.

The ministry said the animal was taken from within the Kootenay region’s established chronic wasting disease management zone. All cases confirmed so far in British Columbia have been detected through the province’s ongoing surveillance programs.

First detected in British Columbia in January 2024, chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurological disorder affecting cervids such as deer, elk, moose and caribou, and is considered a long-term threat to wildlife populations and ecosystem health. There is no known cure.


There is no direct evidence that chronic wasting disease can spread to humans, but health officials advise against consuming meat from infected animals as a precaution.

Provincial officials say they are collaborating with First Nations, hunters, and local and federal governments to track the disease and reduce the risk of it spreading further.

According to Global News website, the disease spreads through direct contact and contaminated environments. Containment measures include enhanced surveillance, targeted sampling, public education on safe handling and transport of harvested animals, and special hunts in affected areas to support monitoring.

Officials are urging hunters to continue submitting samples from harvested animals, calling it critical for early detection and informed management decisions.Surveillance efforts are also being reinforced through voluntary sample submissions from other parts of the province.