The Walpole Island Resource Protection team, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, is asking hunters to donate deer heads for testing as part of efforts to monitor the local white-tailed deer population.
Testing will focus on deer harvested from Walpole Island, Seaway Island, Bassett Island, Squirrel Island, and St. Ann’s Island. The goal is to screen for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal neurological illness in white-tailed deer caused by abnormal proteins that damage the brain.
While there are currently no reported cases of CWD on Walpole Island, officials note the disease has been found in Michigan and could spread across the St. Clair River through animal movement.
“There is no evidence that CWD can infect humans, but we want to take proactive steps to monitor our local herd and protect our community’s resources,” the notice stated.
Hunters who harvest deer from the listed islands are encouraged to donate the head for testing. Drop-offs can be made at the Heritage Centre by contacting 519-627-1475 ext. 5105.
