Hunters for BC has been informed of new action by the BC Government to reduce the spread of CWD. Please review the attached bulletin.

Download the bulletin here.

FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE

CRANBROOK The Province, with the support of the City of Cranbrook, the City of Kimberley and ?aq’am, is taking action to curb the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) by targeted removal and testing of urban deer.

CWD is a fatal infection that affects species in the deer family (cervids), such as mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose and caribou. The disease spreads through grooming, body fluids and shared spaces.

The risk of spread is higher in urban deer because of population density. Urban deer populations in Cranbrook and Kimberley are of special concern because of their proximity to five positive cases of CWD detected in the Kootenay region over the past year. Targeted efforts in both communities will provide important data about the prevalence of CWD and reduce the risk of transmission.

Conducting this work safely and humanely is a top priority. Animal handling and targeted removals are undertaken by trained professionals following strict protocols to ensure public safety and minimize stress on the animals throughout the operation.

Deer removal will take place in Cranbrook and Kimberley from Feb. 18-28, 2025. The results of the sample testing will be shared.

Future management decisions will be based on surveillance data, research and Indigenous knowledge with input from advisory committees.

Contacts:

Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Media Relations
gcpe.wlrsmedia@gov.bc.ca
250 419-9775

Chris Zettel
Corporate Communications Officer
City of Cranbrook
chris.zettel@cranbrook.ca
250 489-0238

Pam Walsh
Manager Community Development and Communications
City of Kimberley
PWalsh@kimberley.ca
250 427-965