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Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Program
To monitor Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Yukon cervids the Yukon government implemented a Mandatory Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Program and a Voluntary Chronic Wasting Disease Certification Program in 2003. CWD is a progressive, fatal, degenerative disease of the brain affecting cervids (elk, mule deer, reindeer and white-tailed deer). CWD belongs to a group of related diseases called Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE's), which include Scrapie in sheep and goats, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) in humans. CWD is not the same as BSE. TSE's are caused by abnormal proteins, called prions, which accumulate in the brain. There is currently no treatment or vaccine available. In order to determine if an animal is CWD free, testing must be done post-mortem. Testing from 2001-2005 shows that the Yukon has a disease free herd.
A herd is initially given Status Level E, which it will hold for one year (the year between the initial inventory and first inventory). It can then advance through each level, D, C, B, A, with the highest level being A. A herd will retain its status in each level for one year. Advancement to the next level is granted provided the farm has met all conditions of the Certification Program. After a herd has been at level A for one year the herd will be considered certified and will remain at that level indefinitely as long as it meets the requirements of the Certification Program as shown by the annual inventory report.
FARMED ELD CWD TESTING
For further information on Chronic Wasting Disease, contact your local veterinarian, or consult the following web pages: Canadian Food Inspection Agency Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Alberta Sustainable Resources Development The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website for updates on CWD in the US
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InFARMation
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Last Updated 16-03-2006