Notice to Hunters

Bovine Tuberculosis in Elk and Deer

The bovine TB surveillance program in elk and deer will continue in 2011. In order to detect changes in the prevalence rate for this disease in these species, the number of samples needed for testing has increased. Failure to meet sample targets through hunter submissions may result in actions to collect additional samples. Therefore, it is important that all hunters who harvest a deer or an elk in these GHAs submit the following samples as required by regulation. Hunters are required to submit samples within 48 hours:

• The complete head, upper neck, lungs and trachea (windpipe)
  of elk and deer shot during the hunting seasons in the Riding
  Mountain area (GHAs 23 and 23A) and the Duck Mountain
  area (GHAs 18B and 18C).
• Samples must be delivered to Manitoba Conservation offices,
  biological sample stations and Warden Stations.
• Hunters should immediately report any small, pea-sized lumps
  in the rib cage or lungs of elk and deer.

Hunters are requested to avoid taking elk and deer that have been fitted with radio-collars. These marked animals are important to the success of the ecological studies of elk and deer.