As many of you will likely have heard through the media, there was a new case of CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border in the city of Libby, Montana. An aged white-tailed doe was killed in February 2019 as she was emaciated and sick-looking. Last week, initial test results came back positive for CWD. Results of a second confirmation test are expected soon. This is the first time CWD has been detected west of the Continental Divide in Montana.

Montana is planning surveillance in the area to determine if there are additional cases and if so, disease prevalence, distribution and species affected. Fortunately the BC Wildlife Health Program is working closely with Montana in order to assess the risk and protect B.C. wildlife. Montana’s press release is attached.

Please let me know if you have any questions at this time. I will keep everyone informed as we learn more.

Cait

Cait Nelson
Wildlife Health Biologist | Wildlife and Habitat Branch
Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
2080 Labieux Road Nanaimo BC V9T 6J9 | 250-751-3219