Two new chronic wasting disease cases in B.C. deer raise total to eight in the southeast, prompting hunting restrictions and testing requirements.

Two new cases of chronic wasting disease have been confirmed in deer in B.C.’s Kootenay region, raising the province’s total to eight, all in the southeast. The fatal prion disease, which affects deer, elk, moose, and caribou, has prompted a management zone requiring hunters to submit samples, report sick animals, and restrict carcass movement. A special hunt allows one extra harvest to aid monitoring. While no human cases are known, health officials advise against eating meat from infected animals. The province continues to investigate potential spread, urging voluntary sample submissions from hunters.