Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disorder that affects deer, elk, moose, and other members of the cervid family. It is caused by abnormal proteins called prions, which accumulate in the brain and spinal cord of infected animals and cause damage to the nervous system. CWD is similar to mad cow disease in cattle and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans, but there is no evidence that it can be transmitted to humans or other animals.
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CWD was first identified in 1967 in Colorado, and since then it has been detected in 26 states in the US, as well as in Canada, Norway, Finland, and South Korea. CWD is spread through direct contact with saliva, urine, feces, blood, or body parts of infected animals, or through contaminated soil, water, plants, or equipment. CWD can have a long incubation period, ranging from months to years, and infected animals may not show any signs of illness until the late stages of the disease.
Symptoms of CWD
CWD affects the behavior and appearance of infected animals. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Weight loss
- Excessive salivation
- Drooping ears
- Lack of coordination
- Difficulty swallowing
- Increased thirst and urination
- Lowered head and ears
- Listlessness
- Isolation from the herd
- Blindness
- Aggression
CWD is always fatal, and there is no cure or vaccine for it. Infected animals usually die within two years of showing symptoms, but some may survive longer.
Risks of CWD
CWD poses a serious threat to the health and survival of wild and captive cervid populations. It can reduce the reproductive success, lifespan, and population growth of affected animals, and increase their vulnerability to predation, starvation, and other diseases. CWD can also have negative impacts on the ecosystem, biodiversity, and wildlife management.
CWD is a concern for hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and consumers of venison. Although there is no evidence that CWD can infect humans, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that people avoid eating meat from animals that are known or suspected to have CWD, or that show signs of the disease. They also advise hunters to take precautions when handling and processing cervid carcasses, such as wearing gloves, using sharp knives, and avoiding contact with the brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, tonsils, and lymph nodes.
Prevention and Control of CWD
CWD is difficult to eradicate once it is established in an area, as prions can persist in the environment for years and infect new animals. Therefore, prevention and early detection are key to limiting the spread and impact of the disease. Some of the measures that can help prevent and control CWD are:
- Testing and monitoring of wild and captive cervid populations for CWD
- Reporting and removing of sick and dead animals from the landscape
- Restricting the movement and transportation of live animals and carcasses across regions
- Banning the use of cervid urine, glands, and other products as lures or attractants
- Educating and informing the public, hunters, landowners, and wildlife managers about CWD and its risks
- Supporting and funding research on CWD and its management
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chronic wasting disease?
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disorder that affects deer, elk, moose, and other members of the cervid family. It is caused by abnormal proteins called prions, which accumulate in the brain and spinal cord of infected animals and cause damage to the nervous system.
How is chronic wasting disease spread?
CWD is spread through direct contact with saliva, urine, feces, blood, or body parts of infected animals, or through contaminated soil, water, plants, or equipment.
Can chronic wasting disease infect humans?
There is no evidence that CWD can infect humans, but it is advisable to avoid eating meat from animals that are known or suspected to have CWD, or that show signs of the disease.
How can chronic wasting disease be prevented and controlled?
CWD can be prevented and controlled by testing and monitoring of wild and captive cervid populations, reporting and removing of sick and dead animals, restricting the movement and transportation of live animals and carcasses, banning the use of cervid products as lures or attractants, educating and informing the public and stakeholders, and supporting and funding research.
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