naqsmiʔst x̌əl tmixʷ
What is Chronic Wasting Disease?
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disease that affects cervid species such as deer, elk, moose, and caribou. It is spread through contact and can remain active in the soil.
There are currently no confirmed cases of CWD transmitting to humans; however, CWD poses a threat to Syilx food sovereignty. CWD leads to significant declines in cervid populations, and the World Health Organization recommends NOT to eat CWD-positive meat.
CWD was recently detected near the Syilx territory in 2024 near Cranbrook BC and Spokane WA.
CWD has long incubation periods and infected animals often appear healthy. Testing harvested animals in affected and non-affected areas is critical for early detection and quick response to protect Syilx food sovereignty and the tmixʷ.
What are Prions?
A prion is a protein in the brain folded in an unusual way, which causes other proteins around it to misfold as well, leading to permanent damage to the brain. This is what causes CWD.
Since it is a “structure” and not a live virus or bacteria, there are no vaccines or medications that can treat it. This is also why prions can remain “active” in the soil for many years.
Mad cow disease is an example of a prion disease that jumped the species barrier, affecting humans in a form called Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, which is linked to eating meat from infected cows.
Help Prevent the Spread:
- PROPERLY DISPOSE OF CARCASSES – Do not transport carcasses across the territory, especially from designated CWD Zones.
- HANDLE HARVESTED ANIMALS WITH CARE – Wear protective gloves and disinfect equipment right after processing.
- TEST, DON’T GUESS – Submit your samples and contribute to our surveillance program so new outbreaks can be caught early on.
MORE INFORMATION:
Province of BC Chronic Wasting Disease
Approved ONA Drop-off Locations:
WESTBANK ONA OFFICE : 101-3535 Old Okanagan Hwy, Westbank BC
Open Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (Closed from 12pm-1pm for lunch)
Contact: Makenzie Clarke, 250-681-0131
PENTICTON ONA OFFICE : 697 Wade Ave W, Penticton BC
Please call or email ahead of time to arrange a drop off
Email: cwd@syilx.org
Phone: (250) 707-0095
CASTLEGAR ONA OFFICE: 875 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar BC
Contact: Marcus Archambault, 250-304-4397
REMINDER: You can submit a sample completely anonymously, and the ONA staff is always here to help if you have any questions or need assistance with the submission process!
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? CONTACT US!
ONA tmixʷ Team
Email: cwd@syilx.org
Phone: (250) 707-0095
The Initiative
The Okanagan Nation Alliance continues the work of our ancestors. Syilx people have always cared for and managed wildlife and ecosystems as part of our inherent responsibility to sustain life on our territory.
We are committed to adhering to these responsibilities — with tmixʷ Biologists and Technicians working on the ground to develop, manage, and implement wildlife projects and activities to guarantee that all beings have the capacity to thrive for generations to come.