 |
|||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
Links to the best Hunting Articles and Websites on the net! All user submitted and voted on!
|
Chronic Wasting Disease What Is CWD?Chronic Wasting Disease, often referred to as CWD, appears to be a prion disease that attacks the central nervous system and causes fatal damage to the brain of white-tailed deer, mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk.What Are the Symptoms of CWD?In the later stages of infection, deer and elk infected with CWD will show signs of progressive weight loss, listlessness, excessive saliva-tion and urination, increased water intake, depression and, eventually, death. Animals can be infected with CWD for months or years before outward signs of infection are evident.What Causes CWD?The exact cause of CWD is not known at this time but the best scienctific minds in the country feel that it is a prion disease. A prion is a mutated protein in the body that causes other normal proteins to fold abnormally and cause sponge-like holes in the brain. A growing body of research evidence indicates that this prion is the causative agent for CWD. The origin and life cycle of these prions are the target of ongoing research aimed at ultimately developing a management plan to eliminate, or at least contain, the existence of these prions in both wild and captive herds, as well as in the environment.How Is CWD Transmitted Between Animals?Although the exact method of transmission is unknown, it is known that CWD is transmitted from animal to animal. In all probability, the transmission is through body fluids like feces, urine or saliva. Animals that are crowded or confined have a greater chance of encountering the body fluids of other animals and, therefore, a higher likelihood of becoming infected if the rogue prion is present. Animals that have a social system that includes close contact with herd mates also have a higher chance of becoming infected. There is a high possibility that CWD prions can survive in the environ-ment after infected and exposed animals are removed.Where Does CWD Occur?CWD is a disease unique to North America. On our continent, it has been found in wild deer and or elk in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Saskatchewan, and now in Utah. In captive deer and or elk, it has been found in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Saskatchewan and Alberta.How are Animals Tested for CWD?Currently, the only acceptable test is a microscopic examination of an animalÍs brain stem. To do this, the animal must be dead. There is no currently accepted live test. A tonsil test has been developed but is yet to be validated by the scientific community. Additionally, tonsil tests are not practical to use on wild animals as they must be tranquilized and held in captivity until results are known. All tests currently used or being examined require a lengthy turn-around time, usually eight to ten weeks before results are known.Can Humans Be Infected with CWD?There is currently no scientific evidence that CWD has or can spread to humans, either through contact with infected animals or by eating the meat of infected animals. The Center for Disease Control has conducted an exhaustive study of CWD and human risk and has stated: "The risk of infection with the CWD agent among hunters is extremely small, if it exists at all". However, as we are still learning about this disease, the Commission recommends that hunters take precautions to limit risks. First and foremost, do not harvest any animal that appears sick or is acting strange.Note the animal's location and contact the Commission. Avoid cutting or puncturing the spinal cords or brains of animals taken in the areas where CWD occurs. Do not use house-hold utensils to field dress or process your deer. Wear rubber or latex gloves when handling any harvested animal.
Can the Disease Spread to Other Animals, Such As Cattle?Again, there is no indication or scientific evidence that the disease can spread to species other than deer or elk, but research in this area continues. Studies have shown that cattle placed in close and confined proximity with infected deer and elk have not developed the disease.How Common Is the Disease?As more extensive steps have been taken to learn more about the disease, its spread, and its prevalence in both wild and captive deer and elk herds, the body of evidence continues to grow. It was once thought that the disease occurs naturally in less than 5 percent of the wild deer population and in about 1 percent of the wild elk population, largely based on studies conducted in the infected areas of Colorado and Wyoming.Can hunters have their deer/elk tested for CWD? Utah Only!Hunters who wish to have their deer or elk tested for chronic wasting disease may do so at a cost of $20 by providing the head of the animal to Utah State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Logan, Utah. Deer and elk must be older than one year to be eligible for testing. Hunters interested in having their animal tested should call the lab at 1 (435) 797-1895. |
 
Click images to enlarge 
|
Copyright © 2008, MuleyMadness.com
Contact webmaster with questions
All pictures, images, & content are owned by MuleyMadness and cannot be used without permission