Chronic Wasting Disease
Attention Hunters!
The CWD surveillance program has completed testing the heads submitted to date. Check the link below for current information.
However, the program is ongoing throughout the year and you can submit frozen deer heads at any Fish and Wildlife office
during regular office hours. Note that 24-hour freezers are no longer available.
Submission of deer heads for CWD testing is MANDATORY in eastern Alberta from Cold Lake south to the US border. For more
details, see:
Get the latest news and updates on Chronic Wasting Disease in Alberta. See:
Facts About Chronic Wasting Disease
- CWD is a prion disease that infects members of the deer family.
- It is fatal in all cases; there is no treatment or vaccine.
- In western North America, CWD primarily occurs in wild mule deer, farmed elk, and farmed white-tailed deer. In eastern
regions, it is found in wild and farmed white-tailed deer and farmed elk.
- There is no evidence that CWD infects livestock or humans.
- Transmission occurs from deer to deer, and in certain situations may involve environmental contamination.
- Once established, CWD is very difficult to control.
- Prevention is the best solution, but early aggressive response is recommended when new incidents of CWD are detected.
A general fact sheet about CWD is available at:
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Updated: Feb 29, 2012