By: Fred Lishman

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

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 sheepcreutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans

Currently, there is no known relationship that links these diseases.

What is Chronic Wasting Disease?

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 salivafeces decomposing

infected carcasses Currently CWD is

not known to spread to humans.

Symptoms of CWDUsually, 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 stumblingexcessive droolingwidespread stance difficulty swallowing excessive urination, and

thirst

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

How to Diagnose CWD

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)

Some States where CWD is Found

CWD Infected Areas

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.

CWD and Control

Precautious areas

The PGC issued an Executive Order prohibiting the importation of certain parts from cervids.

Some of these parts include:headspinal cord/ backbonespleenany 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 Precautions should Hunters take?

Report any signs of sick animals to your local Game Commission.

Do not approach or touch the animal. Do not feed animals.

What can you do?