EDMONTON - The annual survey of wild deer and elk for chronic wasting disease continues for the 2003 hunting season in two target areas: central and eastern Alberta.

The Fish and Wildlife Division of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development is continuing a regular survey to check for signs of chronic wasting disease in elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer. Alberta hunters can provide significant help by supplying the heads of these animals for analysis to Fish and Wildlife offices or to 24-hour freezers set up in and near the target areas.

Chronic wasting disease affects only mule deer, white-tailed deer and elk, and causes changes to proteins in their brain tissue. The presence of the disease in a number of game-farmed elk and twelve wild deer in Saskatchewan, and one positive farmed elk and two positive farmed white-tailed deer from two game farms in central Alberta, has focused survey efforts to two target areas in Alberta.

Hunters can submit the heads of mature elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer from central Alberta, north of Edmonton and eastern Alberta along the Alberta/Saskatchewan border, from the North Saskatchewan River to Provost (see attached map). The Wildlife Management Units being surveyed include the following: for central Alberta-units 248 (areas north of Hwy 16), 250, 349 (area east of Hwy 32), 507 and 508; for eastern Alberta-units 234, 236, 256, and 500.

Heads must be frozen as soon as possible and kept frozen when delivered to any Fish and Wildlife office in Alberta. Alternatively, 24-hour freezers are set up at several locations in and around the two target areas to make it easier for hunters to drop off the deer/elk heads after their hunt. Bags and tags are provided at the freezers. Hunters should include information with their sample identifying the kill date, location (wildlife management unit), species, sex and approximate age (adult or yearlings only), and provide their hunter WIN number as well. They should also indicate that they are providing the heads for the Chronic Wasting Disease survey.

Contact:

Dave Ealey
Communications
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Edmonton
(780) 427-8636

Dr. Margo Pybus
Fish and Wildlife Division
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Edmonton
(780) 427-3462