Do not be alarmed by animals covered in ugly warts.
The Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) has issued a statement to inform communities that a whitetail doe, near Chopaka, has been identified as having Papillomas, which creates warts.
Humans cannot catch this disease, so there is no risk to the public. However it can spread to other ungulates including elk, moose, goat, sheep, horses, cows, and pigs.
The warts can grow as large as a baseball.
“It does create some uneasiness because of the large warts all over the affected animal,” the release states. “The meat is safe for human consumption after trimming away the affected areas from the carcass.”
If you spot an animal on LSIB land that you believe has the virus, report it to the band at 250-499-5528. If the animal is on provincial lands, report it to the Conservation Officer Services at 877-952-7277.
