Chronic wasting disease

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal infection that affects species in the deer family (cervids) such as mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose, and caribou. 

On this page

• About CWD
• CWD in B.C.
• Preventing the spread
• Surveillance and testing
• Response and management
• Resources to learn more about CWD
• Latest news in B.C.

About CWD

CWD is a neurological disease caused by abnormal proteins (called prions) that accumulate in tissues, most significantly in the brain. There is no vaccine or treatment and the disease is always fatal. 

Origins of CWD

The origin of CWD is unknown. The disease was first detected in captive mule deer in a Colorado research facility in the 1960s. It was later described as a prion disease and continued to spread to free-ranging deer and elk populations. The disease has since been confirmed in captive and free-ranging elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer and moose in 36 American states and 4 Canadian provinces.  

CWD transmission and spread

An infected animal sheds infectious prions through urine, feces and saliva. CWD prions may also enter the environment via infected carcasses or contaminated material such as hay or urine-based scents (urine scented products used for hunting and trapping). Animals are exposed to the disease by direct animal-to-animal contact or contact with a contaminated environment. The disease can then be spread by natural animal movement or human movement of infected animals, animal parts or contaminated materials. 

CWD in B.C.

CWD was first detected in B.C. in January 2024 in deer samples from the Kootenay region. View the Positive Detections Map (PDF, 931KB) to see the known cases of CWD in B.C.  

Surveillance and preventative measures have been ongoing in B.C. for over 20 years, with targeted efforts in the highest risk areas. With vital support from partners and communities, the government of B.C. has been able to detect this disease early. The priority now is expanded surveillance and risk mitigation that aims to reduce disease transmission, prevent spread to new areas and limit the negative impacts of CWD as much as possible.

Be part of the solution

You can play an important role in CWD management in B.C.:

• Learn about CWD and share information 
• Follow recommendations and regulations 
• Report sick animals 
• Submit deer, elk, caribou and moose samples for testing 

Consult the Surveillance and Response Plan for CWD in B.C. (PDF, 650KB) for more information.

Preventing the spread

Preventing the spread of CWD is important to limit the negative impacts as much as possible. 

Visit the CWD prevention page to learn more about: 

• How to prevent the spread of CWD  
• Human activities that increase the risk of CWD spread
• Hunting regulations and restrictions
• Safe game meat handling

Surveillance and testing 

Surveillance and testing are important to track the occurrence of CWD and identify cases as soon as possible.

Visit the surveillance and testing page to learn more about:  

• Why surveillance is important  
• Mandatory testing requirement 
• Drop-off locations 
• Instructions for submitting samples and harvest locations 
• How to find your CWD test results
• How to report a sick animal 

Response and management

CWD response and management strategies in B.C. are based on principles of disease management and what has worked in other places.  

Visit the response and management page to learn more about:  

• Partnership with First Nations  
• Collaboration with partners and interest groups 
• Initial response to a CWD detection
• The recommended management approach 
• The adaptive management framework

Resources to learn more about CWD 

Learn more about CWD and help us to raise awareness by sharing this content.

Visit the CWD resources page to learn more about: 

• The facts behind the cause and symptoms of CWD 
• CWD and potential human health risk 
• Conservation risk for cervid populations
• What hunters, ranchers and butchers need to know
• The resources you can share 

Latest news in B.C.

Visit the B.C. government news page for the latest news on CWD. Learn more and help us raise awareness by sharing this content.