INDIANA, Pa. — The National Deer Alliance (NDA) recently submitted a letter to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) expressing support for proposed amended chronic wasting disease (CWD) regulations in Ontario, Canada. MNRF proposed regulation changes under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 to implement additional measures reducing the risk that CWD may enter Ontario.

NDA's mission is to serve as the guardian of wild deer conservation and our hunting heritage. One of its primary focus areas is policy that impacts deer and hunting, and one of its top priorities is deer diseases, and more specifically, CWD.

“NDA applauds MNRF's leadership and willingness to attack this critical issue head-on as described in the proposal,” said NDA president and CEO Nick Pinizzotto. “We also applaud the Ministry’s commitment to implementing the 2019 Chronic Wasting Disease Prevention and Response Plan. NDA fully supports MNRF’s efforts to prevent CWD in Ontario.”

Through NDA’s extensive work across North America, it is evident that moving deer, dead or alive, can facilitate the spread of CWD. Prohibiting the import of live cervids and high-risk cervid parts and prohibiting movement of live captive cervids between locations within Ontario will reduce the risk that CWD may enter Ontario. Deer relocations led by wildlife agencies, movements between captive deer facilities given the absence of a reliable live animal test, and transport of carcasses by hunters who can't be immediately sure if their deer is infected all pose a risk of spreading CWD.

NDA soundly supports MNRF’s diligent and thoughtful work in drafting a proposal that specifically addresses the spread of CWD. Further, NDA supports MNRF’s inclusion of hunters and other stakeholders in the disease management process.

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For the MNRF and other agencies in Canada and the United States to continue to increase stakeholder understanding of, support for, and participation in CWD prevention and management efforts is monumental for the future of deer and deer hunters. NDA stands ready to help MNRF, Ontario hunters, and wild deer in this perilous fight against CWD, which is an unrelenting opponent.

More information on NDA, its mission and its partners is available at https://nationaldeeralliance.com/.

About National Deer Alliance: NDA is a nonprofit conservation organization with a mission to serve as the guardian for wild deer conservation and our hunting heritage. Focusing primarily on issues at the policy level, NDA is a leader in advocating for sustainable, science-based conservation of wild deer and fair-chase hunting, and is a source for credible, responsible, and timely information. NDA is an established and respected leader in the fight against chronic wasting disease. Learn more at nationaldeeralliance.com.

Media Contacts:

Nick Pinizzotto, National Deer Alliance, P: 833.255.3337; nick@nationaldeeralliance.com

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