FIGHTING CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE

Released on August 27, 2001

Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management (SERM) is asking hunters

to help manage Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and find out the extent it has

infected Saskatchewan's wild deer population.



They can do this by using special, free CWD control permits to shoot deer

and submit the heads for testing. It's hoped the permits will reduce the

deer herd and provide a large population sample in the zone. Permits will

also be available for other priority areas across the province where more

Chronic Wasting Disease sampling is needed.



Over the past year, SERM biologists have confirmed two cases of CWD in wild

mule deer taken in the Manitou Sand Hills in Wildlife Management Zone (WMZ)

46 along the province's west side. In response to these positive tests,

SERM closed the regular deer hunting season in WMZ 46.



To better inform Manitou Sandhills area residents about CWD and the

sampling program, SERM will be holding three public meetings in the area:

August 28th in Neilburg, August 29th in Unity and August 30th in Macklin.

For more information about Chronic Wasting Disease, the public can also

call SERM's toll free number: 1-800-567-4224 or visit SERM's website

www.serm.gov.sk.ca/fishwild



CWD is found in the brain tissue of affected deer and elk. Current

scientific evidence indicates Chronic Wasting Disease is not a risk to the

public. There is no known evidence it can be transmitted to either humans

or domestic livestock.



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For more information, contact:



Kevin Omoth

SERM Fish and Wildlife Branch

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-8102