According to Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development, two new cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) have been detected in deer.

CWD was first detected in the province in 2021 and the two most recent cases were detected from mandatory biological sampling submissions. The most recent cases were from deer hunted near Dropmore and Coulter. Other cases of CWD had been previously identified in the area.

The province says that the two cases are in male mule deer.

CWD is an incurable, fatal disease that affects members of the deer family known as cervids including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose and caribou. According to officials in Manitoba, if the disease spreads and becomes endemic it could threaten the health of cervid populations in the province.

Hunters who harvest any cervid in the mandatory biological sample submission zone are required to provide head and upper neck samples of harvested white-tailed deer, mule deer and elk for CWD testing.

CWD is not known as a human health risk but meat from an infected animal is not recommended for consumption.

Hunters with concerns or questions about an animal that has been harvested can contact the province by email at CWD@gov.mb.ca or by calling 1-204-638-4570.