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Chronic Wasting Disease: A Threat to Deer and Elk Populations
What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, moose, and caribou.
It is caused by an infectious prion, a type of protein that can cause normal proteins to misfold and become infectious.
CWD is always fatal and there is no known cure or treatment.
How is CWD Transmitted?
CWD is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, or feces.
It can also be transmitted through contaminated soil, water, or food.
What are the Symptoms of CWD?
The symptoms of CWD can vary depending on the stage of the disease.
In the early stages, animals may show no signs of illness.
As the disease progresses, animals may experience weight loss, difficulty walking, tremors, and changes in behavior.
How Can CWD Be Prevented?
There is no known way to prevent CWD, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of transmission.
These include:
- Avoiding contact with infected animals
- Not feeding deer or elk
- Disposing of carcasses properly
- Cleaning and disinfecting equipment
What is the Impact of CWD?
CWD can have a significant impact on deer and elk populations.
It can cause population declines, reduce hunting opportunities, and damage the economy.
CWD can also pose a risk to human health.
Although there is no evidence that CWD can be transmitted to humans, it is recommended that people avoid eating meat from infected animals.
What is Being Done to Address CWD?
There are a number of things being done to address CWD, including:
- Research into the disease
- Surveillance and monitoring
- Management of infected populations
- Public education