CVM100OD25 - College of Veterinary Medicine: The 411 on Chronic Wasting Disease

Course Description

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is the most serious threat facing wild deer and elk populations in North America today. Once CWD becomes established in a population, it is nearly impossible to eradicate. New York is the only state that has been able to eliminate CWD in wild deer and remain CWD-free. CWD is in the family of universally fatal diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) caused by misfolded proteins called prions. Presently, CWD has been discovered in 26 states, four Canadian provinces, and four other countries: South Korea, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Transmission is very efficient and can occur from animal-to-animal or from environments that have been contaminated with saliva, feces, urine, or blood. Male white-tailed deer, the animals most sought after for trophies, are three-times more likely to be infected than females. Prions are one of the most resilient pathogens known. They are very resistant to high heat and harsh chemicals. Prions will bind to soil particles and remain in the environment for up to 16 years. At its core, CWD erodes our public trust resources. Any meaningful strategies and science to combat CWD will require a long-term approach with sustained state and federal efforts.

Benefits to the Learner

• Describe a prion and its properties
• Understand the distribution of CWD by species and geographically
• Grasp the social, biological, and economic issues associated with CWD.

Accrediting Associations

• The American Association of Veterinary State Boards RACE Approval Number 20-878940 1.0 Hours
• New York State Education Department 1.0 Hours