Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal prion illness in deer. It also affects elk, moose, and reindeer. The disease has no cure and spreads through saliva, feces, and blood. CWD has been found in 35 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces.
The University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) released a new report. It examines how genetic differences in CWD strains influence disease spread. Some experts worry CWD could jump to humans or livestock.
How Does CWD Spread?
CWD spreads through prions, which are misfolded proteins that cause brain damage. Infected animals shed prions in saliva, feces, and blood. These prions stay in soil and can spread through plants.
Once infection begins, the disease spreads to the brain and spine. It is always fatal.
Infected deer can live for years without showing symptoms. Over time, they weaken, lose weight, and become easy prey.
CWD belongs to a group of prion diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Other TSEs include Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Mad Cow disease, and scrapie. Human infections of Mad Cow disease exemplify how TSEs can spread from animals to humans.
What Is the Potential Risk to Humans and Livestock?
The risk of CWD jumping to humans is still unknown. As the disease spreads and evolves, that risk could change. Prion diseases can take decades to develop, making tracking difficult. Many prion diseases resemble other brain disorders, leading to misdiagnosis.
Testing for prion diseases in living patients is very limited. Autopsies help detect prion diseases, but fewer are being performed. This weakens efforts to track possible spillover cases.
If CWD infects humans, it may not match known prion diseases. Identifying cases would require finding similar illnesses in exposed people.
Tracking exposure is difficult because many people eat venison but don’t hunt. Public health, wildlife, and agricultural agencies do not work closely on CWD. Privacy concerns and funding issues create barriers to cooperation.
CWD surveillance in livestock is also limited. Cattle, sheep, and goats are tested for other prion diseases. These tests may not detect CWD. Scientists do not know if CWD can infect livestock.
If CWD infects humans, it may not match known prion diseases. Identifying cases would require finding similar illnesses in exposed people.
CWD prions stay infectious in the environment for decades. They resist destruction and accumulate over time. Scientists do not fully understand how soil, climate, and other factors affect spread.
How Can Surveillance and Response Efforts Improve?
Agencies must raise awareness of CWD spillover risks. This requires better research, testing, and preparedness. Policymakers and stakeholders need clearer communication with wildlife agencies. Current funding is insufficient and not long-term. Wildlife agencies need more financial support for conservation efforts.
Stronger lab capacity and faster, cheaper testing are necessary. Medical professionals need training on prion diseases to prepare for spillovers. Better surveillance can increase the chances of early detection.
Doctors must also recognize prion diseases more easily. Understanding CWD strains and spillover risks is crucial.
Research must study how CWD spreads to other species. Identifying factors that increase environmental contamination can help reduce risks.
Carcass disposal is another major challenge for public health. The environmental impact of current disposal methods must be monitored. New, cost-effective, and safe disposal technologies could help prevent spread.
What Precautions Should Hunters Take?
According to the CDC, hunters in CWD areas should take precautions. Avoid shooting or eating animals that look sick. Do not eat roadkill. Wear latex or rubber gloves when field-dressing animals. Avoid touching internal organs, especially the brain or spine.
Use separate knives and tools for processing. Check local CWD testing recommendations before hunting. Test deer or elk for CWD before eating the meat. If using a commercial processor, request your animal be processed separately. Do not eat meat from an animal that tests positive.
Conclusion
Chronic wasting disease continues to spread, raising concerns for wildlife and human health. Improved testing, stronger communication, and increased funding are essential to managing this disease. Addressing CWD now could help protect both animals and humans in the future.
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Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
