Saskatchewan Reverses Chronic Wasting Disease Testing Program Cuts
Saskatchewan has reversed its decision to eliminate the provincial chronic wasting disease testing program for cervids, ensuring the service remains active for the next hunting season.
Hunting groups push province to restore testing
The province shifted position after hunting and conservation groups condemned the cancellation as non-scientific. Darrell Crabbe, executive director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, stated that his organization was grateful the government listened to the concerns raised by hunters and conservation communities. Minister Rowden acknowledged that access to chronic wasting disease testing remains a priority for hunters and their families.
Budget priorities conflict with disease testing data
Premier Scott Moe defended the initial cancellation as a purely budgetary choice, explaining that the province prioritized funding for health care, education, public safety, and housing affordability. For the 2025-2026 hunting season, officials have confirmed 362 cases of chronic wasting disease out of 2,900 analyzed samples from deer, mule deer, moose, and elk. The disease has appeared in 63 of the province’s 83 wildlife management zones since the testing initiative began.
Hunter Concerns Over System Delays
Despite the program’s retention, some hunters remain critical of administrative bottlenecks. Ken Erickson, a hunter who previously considered boycotting the season over the cancellation, pointed out that turnaround times for test results have historically been too slow. Neighboring provinces continue to operate similar chronic wasting disease surveillance programs for regional hunters.
Why Saskatchewan ended and monitored disease testing?
Why did Saskatchewan initially decide to end the chronic wasting disease testing program?
Premier Scott Moe stated that the cancellation was a budgetary decision designed to shift provincial spending priorities toward health care, education, public safety, and housing affordability.
Which species are monitored under the provincial testing program?
The program analyzes samples from deer, mule deer, moose, and elk across Saskatchewan’s wildlife management zones.
How many cases of chronic wasting disease have been confirmed for the current season?
Officials have confirmed 362 cases out of 2,900 total samples analyzed for the 2025-2026 hunting season.
Worth a look