Preventing CWD in B.C.

As of 2024, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been detected in B.C. We have an opportunity to be proactive and to protect B.C. cervids by preventing the spread of CWD in the province. The B.C. CWD Program (initiated in 2002) is founded on prevention, surveillance and response planning.

On this page:

• Surveillance and preventing CWD
• Human activities that increase CWD risk
• Report sick animals
• Submit a head for testing

---

Surveillance and preventing CWD

Surveillance is a critical component of disease prevention and management. Surveillance is required to confirm B.C.’s CWD status, to detect the disease as soon as possible and to provide information that will inform the response to a positive diagnosis in B.C.    

• See the Surveillance and Response Plan for CWD in B.C. (PDF, 650 KB).

Be part of the solution by:

• Learning about the risks of CWD and human interaction
• Following recommendations and regulations
• Reporting sick animals and;
• Submitting harvested deer, elk and moose heads for testing

---

Human activities that increase CWD risk

There are human activities that increase the risk of CWD spread in B.C.

These activities include:

• Transporting infected carcasses out of areas affected by CWD into the rest of B.C.
• Transporting infected carcasses from outside the province into B.C. 
• Cervid based products (scents) can contain CWD prions which could end up in the environment.
• Hay and feed materials imported from areas affected by CWD can also contain CWD prions 

If animals are harvested in known CWD areas (PDF, 545KB), be aware of the risks. Either leave gut piles at the kill site or follow the procedures under the order for transporting untested animals.

There are regulations and recommendations outlined in the B.C. Hunting Regulations that were created to reduce the risk of CWD spread in B.C.

 

---

Report sick animals

Whether you are in the backcountry or in your backyard, you can help. If you see a deer, elk, moose or caribou exhibiting any of these symptoms: weight loss, drooling, poor coordination, stumbling, generally sick with no obvious reason, please report to the 24/7 Report All Poachers and Polluters Line (1-877-952-7277) or the B.C. Wildlife Health Program.

---

Submit a head for testing

Hunters are encouraged to submit any deer, elk or moose head for CWD testing. This is voluntary in most parts of B.C. but is mandatory, as a condition of the general hunting licence, for all white-tailed deer and mule deer harvested in Management Units 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6, 4-7, 4-8, 4-23, 4-24 and 4-25.

Found out how to submit a head for testing or view test results.

 

The B.C. Wildlife Health Program recognizes the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and anglers, hunters, trappers and guides who contribute to the Trust, for making a significant financial contribution to support the CWD Program in B.C