Saskatchewan has released the results of its Chronic Wasting Disease testing for the 2023-2024 deer season. This year's testing included what they describe as a robust sample size from various regions across Saskatchewan. Different states and provinces seem to have widely varying opinions on what an appropriate number of tests are. In hard numbers, a total of 3,500 deer were tested, including both mule deer and white-tailed deer. The results show a prevalence rate of 19%, marking a slight increase from last year's rate of 17.5%.
"While the rise in CWD cases is concerning, it's not entirely unexpected," said Dr. Jane Smith, Wildlife Health Specialist with the Ministry of Environment. "We have been closely monitoring areas where CWD has been historically present, and these results underscore the importance of continued vigilance and research."
Key findings from the 2023-2024 testing season include:
- Geographic Variance: The highest prevalence rates were observed in the southwestern regions, consistent with previous years. However, there were notable new detections in the northern areas, prompting further investigation.
- Species Impact: Mule deer continue to show higher infection rates compared to white-tailed deer, a trend that aligns with national data.
- Hunters' Role: The cooperation of hunters in submitting samples for testing has been invaluable. Over 2,800 hunters contributed samples, highlighting the strong community support for wildlife health initiatives.
The Ministry of Environment urges hunters and the public to remain informed about CWD and take necessary precautions. Hunters are reminded to have their harvested deer tested and to properly dispose of carcasses to prevent the potential spread of the disease.
Looking ahead, it's the same story that you'll find in almost every one of these articles. Namely, the Ministry is expanding its surveillance efforts and enhancing public education campaigns to address the growing concern. Additional resources will be allocated to research projects aimed at better understanding CWD transmission and developing strategies to mitigate its impact on Saskatchewan's wildlife.
You can reference the breakdown of the results by wildlife zone, as well as different years results here.
