COVID-19 has been detected for the first time in Canadian wildlife.
The confirmation comes from the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, with three free-ranging white-tailed deer testing positive for SARS-CoV-2.
They were sampled between Nov. 6 and 8 in the Estrie region of Quebec. Much like recent findings in the United States, the deer infected showed no signs of disease and were all apparently healthy.
As these are the first cases noted in Canada, information about the spread amongst the wild deer populations is currently limited.
Federal, provincial and territorial partners continue to monitor and assess the potential implications of the virus on Canadian wildlife.
There is no known transition of the virus from deer to humans at this time.
More information on COVID-19 and animals can be found here.
