Chronic Wasting Disease in North America
Drew Gardiner
This research project will investigate the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in North America. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a neurological disease present in large North American mammals like Deer, Elk, and Moose.
Annotated Bibliography:
Cordova, Melanie Greaver. “Cornell's Dr. Krysten Schuler Warns Federal Government Committee of Dangers of Chronic Wasting Disease, Advocates for Preventive Measures.” Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 28 June 2019, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/news/20190627/cornell-s-dr-krysten-schuler-warns-federal-government-committee-dangers-chronic-wasting-disease.
In this article, Cordova is explaining the urgency behind the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in North America. The article follows the story of Dr. Krysten Schuler approaching the federal government about raising awareness for the spread. Within Dr. Schuler's explanation, she highlights the severe effects of the disease, the possibility of slowing or halting the spread, and the possible effects on humans. As of now, CWD is not transmissible to humans, however there have been many similarities to Mad Cow disease which caused killed 231 people in England after eating beef. Dr. Schuler concludes her remarks to the federal government with a plea for more funding to support research regarding prevention and treatment.
Saunders SE, Bartelt-Hunt SL, Bartz JC. Occurrence, transmission, and zoonotic potential of chronic wasting disease. Emerg Infect Dis. 2012 Mar;18(3):369-76. doi: 10.3201/eid1803.110685. PMID: 22377159; PMCID: PMC3309570.
In this journal entry, Saunders discusses primarily the possibility of a zoonotic relationship between CWD-infected deer and humans. To have zoonotic potential means that there is a chance of spread across the two species. Saunders believes that for CWD, the risk is low but still possible. Saunders then addresses how the disease is spread among animals. The prions from the disease are spread by the hairs of the animal that fall out during the infection phase. This creates an environment infested with the disease, an environment that makes other animals vulnerable from even being around the soil of a previously infected organism. Once again, Saunders claims more attention and resources need to be allocated to help stop the spread of the disease.
Williams, Elizabeth S., et al. “Chronic Wasting Disease of Deer and Elk: A Review with Recommendations for Management.” The Journal of Wildlife Management, vol. 66, no. 3, 2002, pp. 551–63. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3803123. Accessed 1 Feb. 2023.
In this research paper, Williams highlights the gruesome effects of CWD, and explains how it diffuses throughout a population. Williams explains that CWD is a form of a Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy, or TSE. It is because of previous jumps to humans by other TSEs that Williams believes Chronic Wasting Disease needs to be dealt with. Williams then details the current procedure to preventing the spread of CWD, with highlights on managing deer and elk populations across state lines. The prevention of the disease will require a unified effort throughout states, agencies, and financial investments.
