In Minneapolis, Minnesota, infectious disease researchers are sounding the alarm about chronic wasting disease (CWD), a neurological illness that is rapidly spreading among deer and other members of the cervid family. CWD presents a serious threat to public health, as recent research suggests that the disease could potentially spillover into humans. This has prompted a coalition of global experts to initiate a major effort to address the challenges associated with a potential spillover event.
CWD, which is caused by misfolded proteins known as prions, has become a growing concern due to its contagious nature and lack of a cure. The disease has been found in animals in at least 32 states, four Canadian provinces, and four other foreign countries since it was first discovered in Colorado in 1967. Experts are troubled by the possibility that the prions causing CWD may be evolving to become more capable of infecting humans.
Despite the lack of known human cases of the disease from consuming CWD-infected animals, the threat has prompted researchers to focus on public health surveillance, lab capacity, prion disease diagnostics, and risk communication. This issue is of particular concern to hunters, as tens of thousands of infected animals have been consumed in recent years, with the number increasing annually as the disease spreads across the continent.
The disease’s symptoms, which include the deterioration of the brain to a spongy consistency, have led to CWD being dubbed “zombie deer disease.” There is currently no treatment or vaccine for the disease, and it is extremely difficult to eradicate from the environment. Prions are known for their persistence in the environment, remaining in the ground for many years and potentially being taken up by plants.
In light of the potential threat to public health, especially to those who consume wild game, experts are advocating for faster and easier testing of deer and other cervid carcasses to prevent spillover. The lack of widespread concern among hunters, particularly in states where CWD has been detected in the wild, poses a challenge to mitigating the spread of the disease. Furthermore, the long latency of the disease in humans presents difficulties in determining whether CWD has affected individuals.
Given the cultural and economic significance of venison to Indigenous communities, several tribal nations are working with experts to devise strategies for monitoring and managing CWD. Additionally, researchers are exploring new technologies to improve the speed and ease of testing for the disease. Nonetheless, the urgency of addressing the spread of CWD and its potential impact on public health remains a pressing issue for researchers and public health officials.