Update....
F&W is emailing this notification through RELM to those that drew big game licences.
I have not been able to find a publicly available link to the notice on any government site.
From what I can tell, those that hold general licences (archery and WT) and the aboriginal community still will not have been notified of the concern other than through this thread and word of mouth.
The statement that there will NOT be a TB testing program for wildlife might give some relief to those concerned of an Elk eradication program occurring in the short term.
TB Notification Letter
http://s34466679.t.en25.com/e/es?s=3...d=7441&elqat=1
A case of bovine tuberculosis in a domestic cow was linked to a premises in southeastern Alberta (northwest of Medicine Hat). Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a thorough disease investigation to address the risks. Current risk evaluation indicates a very low risk that ungulates in and around Canadian Forces Base Suffield (CFB Suffield) are infected with bovine tuberculosis.
Ongoing information is available from CFIA at
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/tb. For CFB Suffield hunters, AEP staff will also be able to provide information regarding the potential for bovine tuberculosis and appropriate precautions during the daily briefings.
Q: Is hunting cancelled or access restricted in the areas where my special licence is valid?
A: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has limited movement of cattle in some public lands but has not restricted access of hunters nor the removal of their harvested game animals. Scheduled hunting seasons have not been changed. Local landowners/land managers may establish their own access criteria.
Q: Is there a risk to human health and are there precautions that need to be taken?
A: Bovine tuberculosis can infect humans but does not readily transfer to people and the risk in association with wild game is very low. Hunters can take precautions by wearing waterproof gloves when you handle the internal tissues of harvested animals; wash your hands, knives, and clothes in warm soapy water; and cook meat well, until the juices run clear. Smoking, freezing, or drying meat will NOT destroy the bacteria. Additional information is available under the bovine tuberculosis heading at
http://aep.alberta.ca/fish-wildlife/...s/default.aspx.
Q: Will harvested animals be tested?
A: The risk of bovine tuberculosis in wildlife is very low. Active testing will not occur; however, local hunters are encouraged to learn about bovine tuberculosis and if you see a suspicious abscess in the lymph nodes, lungs, or chest cavity of your harvested animal, contact an Alberta Environment and Parks or Fish and Wildlife district office.