Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) By: Fred Lishman

What is Chronic Wasting Disease? Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a neurological disease found in species of deer, elk and moose. CWD is part of a family of diseases called spongiform encephalopathies or piron disease. (incomplete protein) CWD is related to: mad cow disease scrapie in sheep creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans Currently, there is no known relationship that links these diseases.

CWD History CWD was first discovered in 1967 in captive mule deer in Colorado. CWD was identified as a spongiform encephalopathy in 1978. CWD was then discovered in wild mule deer in 1981.

How is CWD Spread? CWD can be spread by close contact with infected animals. soil or other surfaces saliva feces decomposing infected carcasses Currently CWD is not known to spread to humans.

Symptoms of CWD Usually, it could take months to years before the animal shows signs of the disease. Typical symptoms of CWD are: poor body condition change in behavior stumbling excessive drooling widespread stance difficulty swallowing excessive urination, and thirst

How to Diagnose CWD The brain of the animal is tested to find PrPCWD in various tissues. Areas of focus in the brain are: parasympathetic vagal nucleus (located in dorsal portion of medulla oblongata) obex

Some States where CWD is Found Colorado Illinois Kansas Maryland Minnesota Missouri Nebraska New Mexico New York North & South Dakota Texas Utah Virginia & west Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming *Pennsylvania (captive deer in Adams county October 2012)

CWD Infected Areas

CWD and Control There is No treatment or cure for CWD. Try to prevent the spread of CWD in uninfected populations. Quarantine and euthanize animals with the disease. In free-ranging animals, it is harder to control.

Precautious areas

What Precautions should Hunters take? The PGC issued an Executive Order prohibiting the importation of certain parts from cervids. Some of these parts include: head spinal cord/ backbone spleen any object that may have brain matter Some things hunters can do to remain safe are: don’t shoot, handle or consume animals that appear sick wear gloves when field dressing bone out the meat minimize handling spinal cord/ brain have your animal tested

What can you do? Report any signs of sick animals to your local Game Commission. Do not approach or touch the animal. Do not feed animals.