CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease)

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a progressive neurological disorder affecting deer, elk, and moose. It is caused by a misfolded protein called a prion, which damages the brain and nervous system, leading to symptoms like weight loss, stumbling, decreased alertness, and eventual death. CWD spreads through contaminated environments, nose-to-nose contact, or contact with infected bodily fluids. While it mainly affects wild and captive cervids, there is ongoing research about its potential risk to humans, but current evidence suggests it does not readily transmit to people. Management focuses on monitoring, testing, and limiting spread among animal populations.