NFN Hunter Call-Out: Chronic Wasting Disease Monitoring

Press Release

Monday, December 9, 2024 – The NFN Environment Department needs the help of NFN hunters to monitor deer populations in the area for chronic wasting disease (CWD).

Currently present in 26 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec), CWD is a fatal brain disease that affects white-tailed deer, elk, mule deer, moose, and potentially woodland caribou. It has the potential to severely reduce deer populations and once established in the wild, its spread is very difficult to stop.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has found no evidence that the disease is present in Ontario’s wildlife (based on deer monitoring since 2002, including over 15,300 CWD tests), but it is essential to stay vigilant. The NFN Environment Department received training from the MNRF on CWD sampling techniques, and to be proactive, NFN is initiating a pilot testing program to assist in monitoring efforts across Ontario. This will prepare capacity for the possibility of future CWD threats.

Hunters’ participation in the surveillance program is critical. Here’s how you can help:

• Bow and firearm hunters are encouraged to have any (yearling or older) deer, moose, or elk harvested in the area tested for CWD.
• Contact the Environment Manager at 705-753-2050 ext. 1290 to drop off harvested deer/moose/elk heads to the Natural Resources Department. Note: only the lymph nodes from the neck and a sample from the base of the animal’s brain are required. Hunters may keep the remainder of their harvested animal (antlers, etc.).
• To coordinate sampling in the field, call 705-845-1111 or 705-753-2050 ext. 1290.

Hunters who participate in CWD monitoring will receive a collectible CWD crest for each submitted sample, gain access to their deer’s test results online, and contribute to maintaining healthy deer populations.

Inspection Canada states that there has been no known transmission of CWD to humans. However, as a precaution, the Government of Canada recommends that people not consume any part of an animal that has tested positive for CWD.

IHT5