Bovine TB is a contagious bacterial infection that causes chronic weakness and weight loss while CWD is a fatal, infectious disease affecting deer, elk, reindeer, moose, and possibly caribou. There is no known cure or treatment. (Photo/ Government of Saskatchewan)

By Kenneth Cheung

Game testing

Province announces mandatory game testing this hunting season

Aug 21, 2024 | 6:35 AM

The Government of Saskatchewan has announced that mandatory game testing will be conducted in specific wildlife management zones (WMZ) during the upcoming hunting season due to the discovery of tuberculosis (bovine TB) in a captive cattle herd last year.

Hunters who plan to hunt draw elk in WMZ 37 (south and east of Yorkton) and elk and white-tailed deer during the regular season in WMZ 48 (north of Preeceville) must provide harvested animal heads for testing within one month.

It is also recommended that hunters voluntarily submit moose and mule deer harvested in those zones for testing.

“We are committed to ensuring the health of Saskatchewan’s wildlife populations,” Environment Minister Christine Tell said in a news release.

The Ministry will continue to monitor and manage Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Saskatchewan’s wild deer, elk, and moose populations.

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According to the release, submitting a sample for CWD or bovine TB is the same. Hunters can register at cwdsk.ca to get a unique tracking number.

The release said hunters should double bag the game heads, attach the tracking number securely, and drop them off at any designated CWD drop-off location. Heads submitted for bovine TB testing will also be tested for CWD.

CWD testing from elk, moose, and deer harvested can be submitted to any location in the province. Since its initial discovery in wild deer in 2000, CWD has been detected in 62 of the province’s 83 wildlife management zones.

Sampling stations and on-site technicians will collect samples for testing at select locations.CWD results will be posted online within four to six weeks. Hunters will only be notified if their animal tests positive for bovine TB.

Bovine TB is a contagious bacterial infection that causes chronic weakness, weight loss,and affects the respiratory system of affected animals, while CWD is a fatal, infectious disease affecting the central nervous system of deer, elk, reindeer, moose, and possibly caribou. There is no known cure or treatment.

The ministry said it will also expand the carcass disposal program this year.

“Disposal bins are free and will be accessible to hunters to dispose of carcasses, carcass waste, or meat from CWD-positive animals.”

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com