EatWild 103 - Chronic Wasting Disease: What is it and what we need to do about it

It's time to get my head out of the sand and learn about CWD and what I can do about it. Cait Nelson joins me on the podcast to discuss the critical issue of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) affecting wildlife, particularly in British Columbia. Cait, a Wildlife Health Biologist, explains the nature of CWD, its transmission, and the implications for the hunting community. Cait walks us through the recent detection of CWD in BC, management strategies to control its spread, and the vital role hunters play in surveillance and prevention efforts. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community involvement and proactive measures to ensure the health of wildlife populations and the sustainability of hunting practices.

Find out more about the good work by Hunters For BC here cwdbc.ca

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal infectious disease affecting cervids.

CWD is caused by prions, which are misfolded proteins that accumulate in the brain.

Most infected animals appear normal, making detection challenging.

CWD can contaminate the environment and persist for years.

The disease has spread from the U.S. to Canada, with BC being proactive in surveillance.

Recent cases of CWD were detected in BC, prompting immediate response measures.

Hunters play a crucial role in CWD management through testing and reporting.

Effective management requires community involvement and education.

CWD will remain in BC, but it can be managed to minimize impact.

The establishment of a local testing facility in BC will expedite results for hunters.