Saskatchewan CWD & TB Testing: Submit Animal Heads Now
- Hunters in Saskatchewan are being asked to participate in ongoing surveillance programs for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and bovine tuberculosis (TB) in wildlife.
- Bovine TB is a bacterial disease that affects mammals, including deer, elk, and cattle.
- Hunters wishing to retain the head of an animal harvested within a bovine TB testing zone for a European mount (Euro mount) can do so by visiting designated...
“`html
Saskatchewan Wildlife Health Monitoring: Bovine TB and CWD Testing for Hunters
Table of Contents
Updated November 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST
Overview
Hunters in Saskatchewan are being asked to participate in ongoing surveillance programs for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and bovine tuberculosis (TB) in wildlife. The Ministry of Habitat emphasizes the crucial role hunters play in tracking and managing these animal diseases, which impact both wildlife populations and potentially, the agricultural sector.
Bovine Tuberculosis Surveillance
Bovine TB is a bacterial disease that affects mammals, including deer, elk, and cattle. While rare in Saskatchewan, its presence requires vigilant monitoring. Hunters in designated bovine TB testing zones are notably encouraged to participate. if a hunter suspects thier harvested animal may have bovine TB, they should immediately photograph the animal and email the images to the Ministry of Environment, and contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Co-operative.
Hunters wishing to retain the head of an animal harvested within a bovine TB testing zone for a European mount (Euro mount) can do so by visiting designated sampling stations on specified dates.details regarding these dates and locations are available from the Ministry of environment.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance
CWD is a fatal, neurological disease affecting deer, elk, moose, and caribou. It is caused by misfolded proteins called prions. Saskatchewan has ongoing CWD surveillance programs to monitor the prevalence and distribution of the disease.
According to Environment Minister Travis Keisig, over 2,000 submissions were received for CWD testing in the past year, demonstrating strong hunter participation.He stated, “in the last year, we received more than 2,000 submissions to the CWD hunter surveillance program – proof of just how dedicated the hunters of Saskatchewan are to protecting wildlife in this province. We are sincerely grateful to all who contributed to this ongoing effort.” (Keisig, Travis, Statement, November 5, 2025, as reported by CJME news).
The province has made CWD testing mandatory in certain areas and encourages voluntary submissions from all hunters. This data is critical for understanding the spread of CWD and implementing effective management strategies.
Why Hunter Participation Matters
Hunter participation is vital for several reasons:
- Early detection: Hunters frequently enough have the first prospect to observe sick or unusual-looking animals.
- Geographic Coverage: Hunters access remote areas that may not be regularly monitored by wildlife officials.
- Data Collection: submitted samples provide valuable data on disease prevalence and distribution.