Wild cervid impacts on Saskatchewan cattle producers
Across Saskatchewan, large numbers of white-tailed deer, mule deer and other cervid species often congregate near cattle operations. This is especially true during harsh winters, when natural food sources are scarce. It is therefore important for producers to understand and mitigate potential disease risks from wild cervids. In particular, cattle producers may be concerned about chronic wasting disease (CWD) and wonder if it can be passed from cervids to cattle.
CWD is a prion disease of cervids and is classified as a Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE). A prion is an infectious and abnormal protein that accumulates in nervous tissue and eventually leads to degeneration of the brain and death. CWD and other TSEs, including bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle and scrapie in sheep, must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Because CWD and BSE are both prion diseases, many producers are concerned about transmission risk of CWD from cervids to animals on their farm. Currently, there is no evidence that CWD can be naturally transmitted from cervids to non-cervids, including cattle and humans. However, consuming any product from a CWD infected cervid carcass is not recommended.
Saskatchewan is considered endemic for CWD, which means the disease is established in the province and it is unlikely to be eradicated. It continues to circulate in wild cervid populations across the province from direct transmission between infected animals and indirect transmission from contaminated environmental sources. There is currently no treatment or vaccine for CWD and no recognized method to treat infected environments.
It is important for producers to be aware of other diseases wild cervids may carry that can impact cattle. Both cervids and cattle are susceptible to several federally reportable diseases such as tuberculosis, brucellosis and bluetongue. Currently, both cervid and cattle populations in Saskatchewan are free of these diseases. There are several other diseases that can be passed between cervids and cattle (in either direction), including but not limited to Johne’s Disease, Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli, as well as several species of internal worms and ticks.
Improving on-farm biosecurity measures is the best way to reduce potential contact between cattle and wildlife, which, in turn, reduces disease transmission risks. Provincial programming is available to eligible producers through the Animal Health and Biosecurity Program, which can assist with the cost of fencing around feed, bunkers, dugouts, etc. to limit contamination from wild cervids on farms. In addition, biosecurity practices should ensure feed is secured and stored in a way that prevents the congregation of wild cervids on or near cattle operations.
If cattle producers find deceased wild cervids on their property, they should avoid moving carcasses long distances. If you must handle a carcass, wear disposable latex or rubber gloves and, when possible, bury and cover it to prevent scavenging. Disposal in permitted landfills may be an option, but producers should contact landfill operators prior to use for confirmation. Any vehicle that is used to transport cervid carcasses should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with two per cent bleach following carcass removal.
Producers with questions regarding these mentioned diseases and how to make their operations safe from contamination can visit the Ministry of Agriculture’s livestock page, or contact the livestock branch, veterinary unit at 306-787-2150.