Five cases of chronic wasting disease identified

Five new cases of chronic wasting disease have been detected in Manitoba, the province announced Monday.

The disease, which affects members of the deer family, was found for the first time in the Rural Municipalities of Swan River and Victoria.

The other three cases were in areas where the disease was previously detected: two near Coulter in the Municipality of Two Borders and one in the Parkland region, near Dropmore.

Chronic wasting disease, sometimes called zombie deer disease, is an incurable, fatal condition that affects white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose and caribou.

The disease is not believed to pose a risk to humans but meat from an affected animal should not be eaten, the province said in a news release.

Those who hunt in areas where there have been confirmed cases of the disease should have harvested animals tested, the province said. Hunters are also reminded to properly dispose of carcasses to help reduce the risk of spreading the disease. Hunters should also refrain from transporting high-risk parts (such as the brain, eyes and spine) outside the harvesting area.

There have been 35 confirmed cases of the chronic wasting disease in Manitoba since first detected in 2021.

The five new cases include three mule deer and two white-tailed deer.

Hunters with questions or concerns can email CWD@gov.mb.ca for more information.