PROVINCE FUNDS CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE TESTING

The Government of Saskatchewan has renewed its commitment controlling the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) with a $240,000 grant to the Canadian Co-operative Wildlife Health Centre at the University of Saskatchewan to conduct testing on samples that hunters submit.

"Although there is no evidence that chronic wasting disease can be spread to humans from the consumption of meat from infected animals, hunters have requested a testing service to help reassure them that the game meat they are consuming is CWD-free," Environment Minister Nancy Heppner said. "This program allows us to provide free testing of all deer and elk heads."

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease affecting deer and elk. Testing helps to determine where the disease is located in the province, whether it is spreading and how many animals are infected in relation to the overall population. The information is valuable in controlling the spread of the disease in Saskatchewan and is shared with neighbouring Canadian and American jurisdictions.

"The testing program also provides valuable data and samples for ongoing research on the epidemiology of chronic wasting disease in wild deer that is funded by PrioNet Canada," PrioNet Canada principal investigator for these projects Dr. Trent Bollinger said.

More information about CWD and the 2008 Program can be found on the Ministry of Environment website at www.environment.gov.sk.ca. Click on Programs and Services then Wildlife and then Chronic Wasting Disease.

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For more information, contact:

Michele McEachern
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0412

Trent Bollinger
Canadian Co-operative Wildlife Health Centre
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-966-5153