the MNR
The Ministry of Natural Resources’ chronic wasting disease surveillance program for 2010 received a great response from the public.
With the help of local media coverage, the ministry received 1,393 deer heads and is happy to report all of them tested negative for chronic wasting disease.
Here in Northwestern Ontario (Fort Frances-Kenora-Dryden area), 362 deer heads were tested.
The remaining 1,031 head were tests in southwestern Ontario (Niagara-London-Guelph-Clinton area).
The ministry relies on hunters to provide samples of deer brain tissue for the surveillance program.
Thanks to all the hunters who helped us out!
Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease affecting members of the deer family.
It has never been found in wild deer or other animals in Ontario, but has been identified in western Canada and many American states.
While similar to “mad cow disease” in cattle, there is no evidence chronic wasting disease can be transmitted to humans or to domestic livestock.
Since 2002, when the MNR began testing for chronic wasting disease, more than 8,400 white-tailed deer have been tested.
All results have been negative.
