Another case of 'zombie deer' disease confirmed in B.C.'s Kootenays

Health officials have confirmed that a fourth case of chronic wasting disease (known as "zombie gazelle" disease) has been identified in British Columbia's Kootenay region, prompting calls for faster culling of the animals to prevent further spread of the disease.

The new case was identified in a white-tailed deer that was taken by a hunter in October near the community of Cranbrook. British Columbia's Ministry of Land, Water and Natural Resources has announced that although there is no direct evidence that the disease has been transmitted to humans, the public has been asked to avoid consuming meat from infected animals.

Three previous cases of chronic wasting disease were confirmed in British Columbia in January and November. This disease is known as "zombie gazelle disease" due to the unpleasant appearance of animals in the final stages of infection. This disease can spread to other members of the deer family, such as reindeer, white-tailed deer, and other deer.

More than 3,000 animal samples from the Kootenay area have been sent for testing, officials said, indicating a low prevalence of the disease given the small number of confirmed cases.

A number of groups, including the British Columbia Wildlife Federation, have called for a preemptive hunt, saying deer living near communities such as Cranbrook and Kimberley are at greater risk of spreading the disease.

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