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Published on: September 29, 2017
Surveillance for prion disease in cervids, Germany
Elvira Schettler1, Falko Steinbach, Iris Eschenbacher-Kaps
1Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany. elvira_schettler@freenet.de
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|February 24, 2006
Summary
A large survey found no evidence of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), also known as prion diseases, in free-living roe deer, red deer, and fallow deer in Germany between 2002 and 2005.
Area of Science:
- Wildlife disease surveillance
- Veterinary neurology
- Prion science
Background:
- Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are fatal neurodegenerative diseases.
- Cervids, including deer species, can be susceptible to prion diseases.
- Monitoring wildlife populations is crucial for understanding disease ecology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of TSEs in free-living cervid populations in Germany.
- To provide data on the absence of prion diseases in German wildlife.
Main Methods:
- Conducted an active survey of roe deer, red deer, and fallow deer from 2002 to 2005.
- Tested a total of 7,304 cervids for evidence of TSEs.
- The survey represented the largest of its kind in European wildlife.
Main Results:
- All 4,255 roe deer, 1,445 red deer, and 1,604 fallow deer tested negative for TSEs.
- No evidence of prion diseases was detected in any of the sampled animals.
- This comprehensive survey yielded a statistically significant negative result.
Conclusions:
- The study provides strong evidence that TSEs are not prevalent in free-living German cervid populations.
- The findings contribute to the understanding of prion disease distribution in European wildlife.
- Continued surveillance may be warranted to confirm the long-term absence of TSEs.
