Two new cases of chronic wasting disease confirmed in deer in B.C.’s Kootenay

VICTORIA — Two new cases of chronic wasting disease have been detected in deer in British Columbia’s Kootenay region, bringing the total cases discovered in the province to eight.

A statement from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship says it has received confirmation that the deer were harvested within the management zone that was set up after the first case was confirmed last year.

Chronic wasting disease is an infectious and fatal illness affecting species such as deer, elk, moose and caribou.

Randene Neill, minister of water, land and resource stewardship, says the latest confirmations are “deeply concerning,” and the province is working with partners to limit the spread of the disease.

The government statement says once wasting disease is introduced to an area, it’s unlikely that the disease will be wiped out, but management efforts can help contain its spread.

Jesse Zeman, executive director of B.C. Wildlife Federation, says hunters are encouraged to provide samples from every animal they harvest to help identify and manage the disease.

The statement says hunters in the management zone will have the opportunity to take part in a special hunt from Jan. 5 to the 31, where they are allowed to harvest one additional deer beyond their limit of two in an effort to support surveillance and response.

“Elsewhere in B.C., people are strongly encouraged to continue voluntarily submitting samples from harvested deer, elk and moose to help determine where the disease is present and how far it may have spread.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 16, 2025.