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Chronic
Wasting Disease
Mule deer doe with CWD
Photo Courtesy of Wyoming Game and Fish Department
What
is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?
CWD is a neurological disease found in deer and elk.
It belongs to a family of diseases known as transmissible spongiform
encephalopathies (TSEs). The disease attacks the brains of infected
deer and elk, causing the animals to become emaciated, display abnormal
behavior, lose bodily functions and die. Besides being found in
wild deer and elk, the disease has been found in captive deer and
elk in six states and two Canadian provinces.
Transmission
of CWD:
The mode of transmission is not completely understood. It
is thought that CWD can be spread by close contact between animals,
and animals exposed to a CWD-contaminated environment may also become
infected. Infectious agents of CWD are neither bacteria nor viruses,
but are hypothesized to be prions. Prions are infectious, abnormal versions
of proteins normally found in the animal. The disease has a very slow
progression. Usually, months to years pass from when the animal is infected
to when it shows signs of disease.
Symptoms
of CWD:
Classic CWD symptoms in deer/elk 18 months or older include poor body
condition, tremors, stumbling, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing,
and excessive thirst or urination.
Where
is CWD found?
Map from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Treatment
of CWD:
There is no known treatment for CWD. Some states have eradication
zones to try to stop the progress of the disease. In addition, because
of the transmission risks, many states are restricting movements/transportation
of animals.
Significance
of CWD:
There has been no found link between CWD in deer and other TSE's
in humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) has said there is
no scientific evidence CWD can infect humans. However, WHO also
says no part of a deer or elk with evidence of CWD should be eaten
by people or other animals. In addition, they suggest hunters take
the several simple precautions when field dressing deer or elk taken
in areas where the disease is found. Click
here to see the precautions.
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