PROVINCE FUNDS CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE TESTING

The Government of Saskatchewan has renewed its commitment to control 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.

"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," Environment Minister Nancy Heppner said.

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease affecting deer and elk. 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," principal investigator for these projects Dr. Trent Bollinger said.

Since 1997, the Ministry of Environment has provided free CWD testing for 43,141 deer and elk heads. More information about CWD and the 2009 Program can be found on the Ministry of Environment website at www.environment.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Michele McEachern
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0412

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