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Chronic Wasting Disease: State of the Science
Jason C Bartz1, Rebeca Benavente2, Byron Caughey3
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 23, 2024
Summary
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a growing threat to cervids. This review synthesizes scientific knowledge on CWD diagnostics, environmental transmission, and zoonotic risks to aid stakeholders and managers.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Wildlife Ecology
- Prion Disease Research
Background:
- Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an expanding prion disease impacting wild and captive cervids.
- Increasing CWD prevalence poses risks to cervid populations, economies, and ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a state-of-the-science review of key CWD aspects.
- To enhance understanding for stakeholders, managers, and decision-makers.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of current scientific knowledge on CWD.
- Review of diagnostic capabilities and validation requirements.
- Assessment of environmental transmission and zoonotic risks.
Main Results:
- Current diagnostic capabilities for CWD prions are detailed.
- Requirements for validating diagnostic tests are outlined.
- The role of environmental transmission and potential zoonotic risks are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Effective CWD mitigation requires interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Informed decision-making relies on up-to-date scientific understanding of CWD.
- Addressing CWD necessitates a comprehensive approach considering ecological and health impacts.
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