Response and management for Chronic Wasting Disease

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) remains a challenging issue affecting cervid populations and communities across North America. Thankfully we have learned a lot from the experiences of other jurisdictions that have been managing and researching CWD for several years.

This experience, and recommendations from the experts, along with local knowledge, research and input from partners is guiding CWD management efforts in B.C.

On this page

• Partnership with First Nations
• Collaboration with partners and interest groups
• Initial response to a positive CWD detection
• Recommended management approach
• Urban deer management and CWD
• Adaptive management framework

Partnership with First Nations

First Nation partners are integral to the development of B.C.’s ongoing CWD response and management strategy. Indigenous objectives, values and concerns are presented and addressed through the established collaborative structure of the B.C. CWD Committee which includes representatives from multiple First Nation governments and communities from across B.C. The B.C. government is also working closely with First Nations directly impacted by new CWD detections in management planning and on-the-ground activities. Regular meetings, community-based workshops and information sessions are ongoing to increase awareness and build capacity in First Nations-led wildlife health monitoring programs.  

Collaboration with partners and interest groups

CWD in B.C. could have far-reaching impacts on hunting behaviour, cultural practices, wildlife related economies and wildlife conservation. Therefore, an effective plan must be developed in collaboration with partners from a range of perspectives, values and knowledge. A provincial CWD Advisory Committee and regional CWD Working Groups were formed in the early 2000s to provide input and support towards outreach, surveillance and management planning.  

 These collaborative groups include representatives from First Nations, local governments, hunters, researchers, wildlife experts, and non-government organizations to monitor and contain CWD.

The B.C. government values hunters as essential partners in our surveillance program. They provide most of the samples needed to help us identify positive cases and ensure high-risk animals are removed from the landscape, reducing opportunities for the disease to spread. Without hunter involvement, the scale of surveillance and management required to respond to CWD would not be possible.

Initial response to a positive CWD detection

In accordance with the Surveillance and Response Plan for CWD in B.C. (PDF, 650 KB), the government of B.C., with support from partners, will implement an initial response in the event of a confirmed positive CWD detection. The goal of the initial response plan is to determine the scope of the disease on the landscape to inform management actions.

Response management is led by the B.C. Wildlife Veterinarian and supported by an incident management team, along with the established collaborative committees. Communication among these groups is critical.

When a new CWD positive case is confirmed, a 5-10 km zone will be delineated (with maps created) around the case. This zone is called the Initial Response Area (IRA). Local expertise will be required to define the zone and include other landscape and wildlife features. Targeted sampling may be required within the IRA to determine if there are additional CWD-positive animals. The information gathered during this phase will direct longer term actions.  

The objectives of the initial response are to:

1. Determine if additional positive cases are detected through targeted sampling
2. Determine species affected and associated risk factors
3. Determine local disease distribution and prevalence
4. Reduce disease transmission and spread
5. Attempt eradication (if feasible)

Initial response activities and targeted sampling generate critical information that will be required to determine ongoing management of CWD in B.C. A CWD management plan for B.C. will be based on the current state of knowledge of management tools and an assessment of management actions applied elsewhere. The management plan for each incident will be informed by expert recommendations and will be developed and delivered collaboratively with partners.

Recommended management approach

Below is a summary of expert recommendations adapted from the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' recommendations for adaptive management of CWD in the West. 

Urban deer management and CWD

Urban deer populations can present unique challenges for CWD management. In urban and suburban environments, deer often occur at higher densities and may congregate in smaller areas because of human-provided food sources, ornamental landscaping and limited movement opportunities. These conditions can increase contact between animals and elevate the risk of disease transmission, as CWD spreads through grooming, body fluids and shared spaces.

The B.C. government works collaboratively with First Nations, local governments, communities and technical experts to identify urban deer management actions that support broader CWD prevention and management objectives. Management approaches may vary based on local conditions, population size, disease risk and community priorities.

In areas where CWD has been detected or where the risk of introduction is elevated, enhanced surveillance of urban deer may be undertaken to better understand disease distribution and prevalence. For example, radio-collaring a portion of an urban deer population can provide an opportunity to understand movement within the urban environment and between the urban-wild interface.

Where surveillance data indicate an elevated risk of disease transmission, urban deer removal may be considered. These actions are intended to support disease monitoring, reduce opportunities for transmission and inform long-term management planning. Any such activities are conducted in collaboration with local partners and follow established protocols for public safety and animal welfare. Where possible, meat is butchered and distributed to First Nations or local food banks.

Reducing opportunities for deer to congregate is an important component of disease prevention. Members of the public can help by:

• Not feeding deer or other wildlife
• Preventing access to feed intended for livestock or pets
• Managing attractants around homes and properties
• Following provincial regulations and recommendations related to CWD prevention and wildlife health

Adaptive management framework

Adaptability and sustainability are crucial for ensuring long-term effectiveness of CWD management.

Our management framework will rely on standardized data collection and analysis of surveillance data and management actions, coupled with regular reviews of local knowledge and research. The combination of these tools will inform ongoing actions and necessary adaptations.

Effectiveness of management strategies will be assessed over time and strategies refined to support CWD and population management goals.