Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) that affects free-ranging and captive hooved-ruminant mammals, which comprise members of the deer family such as white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose. It has been detected in 23 states in the U.S. and three Canadian provinces. While CWD is not known to infect other animals, such as livestock or humans, There is a concern that the disease is a threat to non-human primates that might come in contact with urine, feces, or consume meat from infected deer or elk; and that the disease may eventually threaten humans also. This is because mounting evidence shows that prions can mutate and thus may become better adapted at jumping hosts.
Over time, symptoms of CWD may include dramatic weight loss, thirst, excessive urination, droopy head and ears, listlessness, grinding of teeth, and excessive drooling. Since no treatment is available, the disease is progressive and fatal. Wildlife Resource Divisions work diligently to prevent the spread of CWD in their states. Hunters are advised that not only is the live importation of all deer species from other states prohibited, but define what parts of deer killed out-of-state that they may bring home. If any field dressing is done, all instruments used should be thoroughly washed in hot, soapy water.
