The implementation of an all…

The implementation of an all encompassing communications strategy is a crucial element of helping to prevent CWD from entering the province. The general public, hunters and Cervid farmers must have easy access to current information about CWD, its threats and how it can be prevented. In the event of an outbreak a communications strategy will be key to helping contain or eradicate the disease. At present I don't see any comprehensive communication strategy in the Surveillance and Response Plan other than what might be implemented once the disease is found. If preventing CWD from entering the province is the ultimate goal then a robust communications strategy needs to be implemented now on how to best achieve this.

More needs to be done to address the many issues relating to Cervid Farming as this seems to be the main source of the disease introduction and spread. If not eliminated, at the very least Cervid Farms should be licenced, have mandatory inspections and the movement of animals from one farm to another must be strictly controlled and enforced. Double fencing and other mandatory fencing requirements to help mitigate escapes and substantial fines levied if/when an escape occurs or improper fencing exists. There should be mandatory testing and tracking of slaughtered animals.

What is being done to eliminate the cervids that have previously escaped onto the landscape?

Presently the plan indicates that if CWD is detected one of the controls to reduce the spread of the disease is to prohibit baiting and feeding of wild cervids. This control should be implemented now not after CWD is present. Except in extreme circumstances feeding cervids is unhealthy and unnecessary.