MANDATORY CWD SURVEILLANCE "ROADSHOW"
This article was originally printed
in the February / March issue of Deer Tracking
This article is copyrighted
and may not be reproduced in any form without
permission.
Attending one of a series of CWD Surveillance Program information meetings recently, I left informed, somewhat amazed, and certainly encouraged. One of six such meetings across Saskatchewan, this one, hosted by SAF and arranged by SEBA, was well worth my time. Denise Smith ,executive director of SEBA, chaired the meeting which involved a gathering of elk and deer producers alike. A history of the last year showed that of the 7500 elk put down last year (from 38 farms), 193 tested positive and 163 of these showed no clinical signs. Prairie Diagnostic Services explained the testing procedure and science as well as educating the crowd about the disease itself. Since the apex region of the brain is most detectably infected, farmers were instructed to include the upper neck when submitting samples for testing. No one can say for certain how long the surveillance program must continue, but it will be for a few years at least. With a minimal incubation period of 17-18 months and a maximum of 36 months (estimates), the time from infection to shedding is unknown while it is an estimated 18 months prior to showing clinical signs. It all adds up to 3-5 years in order to show with any certainty that a herd is CWD free. The truly amazing part of the meeting involved the realization that some producers still think we can ignore the whole CWD issue and maintain a strong market without regulation. By the end of 2001, of 586 game farm licenses, 47% were enrolled in the surveillance program with inspections complete, 27% had applied but were not enrolled (i.e./ had not completed inspections), and 26% had not applied (including investors and depopulated farms, as well as those who have animals but simply had not applied). While the "problem" is undoubtedly exaggerated by the media, with world focus on the issue, we have little choice but to deal with it. SAF was on hand to outline the now mandatory surveillance program and to discuss its shortcomings. Criticisms were many, but some constructive conversation prevailed. Many voiced concern over the necessary handling of animals in order for tags to be read. While most of a herd is handled within any given year, it often occurs over the course of several handlings. SAF, necessarily adhering to stringent guidelines in order to maintain the credibility of the program, seemed open to workable suggestions that could allow such high standards to continue. An excellent suggestion by a producer was for SAF to produce tags with larger, easily readable print. In this case, a second, visual tag would allow an inspector to read two tags per animal without any handling, still satisfying strict inspection standards. What a great idea! The program isn't perfect for all producers, but constructive ideas like this will go far in making the program workable for all. Denise closed the meeting, voicing support of SAF in appreciation of their support and cooperation. In turn, this is a time when support and cooperation from all game farmers is also needed. Feel free to call SAF (Shelagh Copeland- (306) 787-4700 ) with concerns, but bring some real, workable solutions with you!
Randy Barks
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