Chronic Wasting Disease
Hunting
Alberta’s first documented case of CWD in a moose was confirmed in January
2013.
An adult male moose that collided with a vehicle in the CWD risk area in
eastern Alberta was submitted for disease testing. This moose was confirmed to
have prion changes in the brain consistent with CWD infection.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) involves fatal damage to the brain in members
of the deer family, including:
Elk
Moose
Mule Deer
White-tailed Deer
In Alberta, CWD has been found in the wild in mule deer, white-tailed deer
and on moose. Alberta’s CWD management strategy depends on hunter assistance to
help track CWD infections.
Herds infected with Chronic Wasting Disease in Canada in 2013
The CFIA works with provincial governments and industry to conduct regular
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance. Ongoing provincial surveillance for
CWD varies with each particular province's perceived threat and infection
status. Testing is mandatory in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Yukon;
it is voluntary elsewhere.
In addition, CWD is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals
Regulations. This means that all suspected cases must be reported to the CFIA.
The following table lists domestic cervid herds confirmed to be infected
with CWD in Canada in 2013.
Current as of: 2013-01-31
Date confirmed Location Animal type infected January 30 Saskatchewan Deer
Oral Transmission of Chronic Wasting Disease in Captive Shira’s Moose
Terry J. Kreeger1,3, D. L. Montgomery2, Jean E. Jewell2, Will Schultz1 and
Elizabeth S. Williams2
+ Author Affiliations
1Wyoming Game and Fish Department, 2362 Highway 34, Wheatland, Wyoming
82201, USA;
2Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
82071, USA
↵3Corresponding author (email: tkreeger@wildblue.net)
Next Section Abstract
Three captive Shira’s moose (Alces alces shirasi) were orally inoculated
with a single dose (5 g) of whole-brain homogenate prepared from chronic wasting
disease (CWD)–affected mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). All moose died of causes
thought to be other than CWD. Histologic examination of one female moose dying
465 days postinoculation revealed spongiform change in the neuropil, typical of
transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. Immunohistochemistry staining for the
proteinase-resistant isoform of the prion protein was observed in multiple
lymphoid and nervous tissues. Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assays provided additional confirmation of CWD. These results represent the
first report of experimental CWD in moose.
SNIP...
It is unknown whether moose can die from PrPCWD infection and whether CWD
presents a threat to free-ranging moose populations. Nonetheless, this
experiment did confirm that 1) moose can become orally infected with mule
deer–derived CWD, 2) PrPCWD propagated and accumulated in multiple lymphoid and
nervous tissues similar to deer and elk (Spraker et al., 1997), and 3) PrPCWD
caused spongiform changes in the central nervous system considered
characteristic for CWD in cervids (Williams and Young, 1992). Thus, this is the
first report of experimental CWD in moose.
Subsequent to these findings, a hunter-killed wild moose was diagnosed with
CWD in Colorado in September 2005 (M. Miller, unpubl. data). Although CWD has
now been established in moose, cases in moose probably will be a rare occurrence
because their social habits differ from elk and deer. Nonetheless, wildlife
managers should be aware of this possibility and increase their surveillance
efforts for naturally occurring CWD in moose.
SNIP...see full text ;
Friday, February 08, 2013
Behavior of Prions in the Environment: Implications for Prion Biology
Monday, February 11, 2013
TEXAS CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CWD Four New Positives Found in Trans
Pecos
TSS
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