BC preparing for targeted removal of deer in the Kootenays amid chronic wasting disease outbreak

The province has announced that a targeted, special permitted hunt will be taking place in the Kootenays in an effort to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer.

On Friday, the province said the targeted removal of deer will be focused around the Cranbrook area, which is where all four cases of CWD have been reported.

The announcement comes nearly two months after the BC Wildlife Federation called on the province to take more “aggressive” action to tackle the problem.

The fatal infection, which can target deer, elk, moose and caribou, was first confirmed in early 2024 near Cranbrook. Another case was confirmed in November and the fourth in December.

According to the province, the targeted, specially permitted hunt will reduce deer density and reduce the risk of spread from animal to animal through close contact or environmental contamination.

Permits will be issued to licenced hunters and the provincial government is working with the Kootenay Wildlife Association to reach hunters to issue permits to.

The targeted hunt will happen within Cranbrook city limits and the province said it is developing a plan to focus on urban deer populations.

All animals killed in this targeted hunt will be tested for CWD.

The initial release will involve 50 permits with the possibility of more in the future.

The province said more information for hunters will be released soon.

According to the news release, the province is working closely with local First Nations, experts and other partners to continue monitoring the situation. The province says ongoing surveillance is crucial to managing the disease outbreak.

Locals who hunt in the area are encouraged to continue submitting animal samples to improve information during the ongoing response.

Restrictions are still in place for transport, testing and disposal of deer, elk and moose carcasses.

Any animal that is showing signs of extreme weight loss, drooling, poor coordination or stumbling should be reported by calling the Report All Poachers and Polluters Line at 1 877 952-7277 or by visiting the BC Wildlife Health Program.