Louisiana CWD Task Force Update, Catahoula Parish positive brings total CWD detections for Louisiana to 40, September 2025
Louisiana CWD Task Force Update, Catahoula Parish positive brings total CWD detections for Louisiana to 40, September 2025
LWFC Gives Final Approval to CWD Control Area Notice of Intent
AUGUST 08 2025
CONSERVATION
HUNTING
WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES COMMISSION
Trey Iles Baton Rouge
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) gave final approval to a Notice of Intent (NOI) to expand the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Control Area in northeast central Louisiana during its August meeting Thursday (Aug. 7) in Baton Rouge.
The action is intended to replace the current Declaration of Emergency (DE) in place for the described area in an effort to curb the spread of the always fatal deer disease.
The approved NOI adds portions of Caldwell, Catahoula, La Salle, Ouachita and Richland parishes to a CWD Control Area. All of Tensas Parish and portions of Madison, Franklin and Concordia parishes were already included in an existing CWD Control Area. The CWD Control Area will be expanded in Franklin and Concordia parishes.
The proposed expansion was necessitated because of a CWD confirmed positive wild deer on private land in Catahoula Parish earlier this year. The discovery was made in a hunter-harvested white-tailed buck. This is the first CWD confirmed positive in a wild deer outside of Tensas Parish.
CWD was first detected in Louisiana in 2022. The Catahoula Parish positive brings the total number of CWD detections for Louisiana to 40.
The approved NOI, in part, reads:
Supplemental feeding, baiting, placement of bait, or hunting over bait is prohibited within the portion of the CWD Control Area designated as the CWD Enhanced Mitigation Zone. Supplemental feeding and baiting is allowed in the portion of the CWD Control Area designated as the CWD Buffer Zone, but only by non-stationary, mechanical or electronic broadcast methods. The use of bait not normally ingested by deer is allowed for feral hog trapping, or by holders of bear harvest permits during the designated bear baiting period.
The export of any deer carcass or part of a deer carcass originating within an LDWF designated CWD Control Area is prohibited, except for: meat that is cut and wrapped; meat that has been boned out; quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached, antlers, clean skull plates with antlers, cleaned skulls without tissue attached, capes, tanned hides, finished taxidermy mounts and cleaned cervid teeth. Deer heads may be transported out of the CWD Control Area solely for taxidermy purposes by waiver.
The approved NOI will be subject to legislative oversight for thirty days. The approved NOI could be published Sept. 20 at the earliest at which time the NOI would become Rule and replace the current DE. To see the current DE and approved NOI, go to
or
for maps and additional information about CWD.
CWD is a neurodegenerative disease of white-tailed deer and other members of the family Cervidae. It is caused by a prion, an infectious, misfolded protein particle, and is 100-percent fatal. There is no treatment or preventative vaccine for CWD. CWD infected deer may exhibit signs of weight loss and emaciation, salivation, frequent drinking and urination, incoordination, circling, lack of fear of people, and always results in the death of the animal.
Although CWD has not been shown to be contagious to humans, the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization recommend against the human consumption of deer known to be infected with CWD. Also, it is recommended that people hunting in areas known to harbor CWD infected deer have their deer tested for the disease prior to consuming the animals. LDWF will provide testing for hunter-harvested deer free of charge.
For more information, contact LDWF Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon at jbordelon@wlf.la.gov
CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE TASK FORCE Thursday, September 4, 2025 2 P.M.
House Committee Room 3, State Capitol Building 900 North Third Street Baton Rouge, Louisiana
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Adoption of the Agenda
3. Public Comment
4. Introduction of Task Force Members
5. Overview of the CWD Task Force’s Scope and Mission
6. Presentation on Chronic Wasting Disease and Louisiana’s Wild Deer Population
7. Set Next Meeting Date
8. Adjournment
*Contact Datha Ortis at dortis@wlf.la.gov For more information
NOTICE OF INTENT
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Chronic Wasting Disease Control Areas (LAC 76:V.135)
The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission hereby amends the Rules and Regulations for Chronic Wasting Disease (“CWD”) Control Areas by reducing the portions of the existing Control Area where supplemental feeding and baiting is prohibited and adding new areas to the Control Area due to a recent CWD confirmed case found in a harvested white-tailed deer in Catahoula Parish.
The Secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is authorized to take any and all necessary steps on behalf of the commission to promulgate and effectuate this Notice of Intent, including but not limited to, the filing of the Fiscal and Economic Impact Statement, the filing of the Notice of Intent and compiling public comments and submissions for the commission’s review and consideration. In the absence of any further action by the commission following an opportunity to consider all public comments regarding the proposed rule, the Secretary is authorized and directed to prepare and transmit a summary report to the legislative oversight committees and file the final Rule.
Title 76 WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES Part V. Wild Quadrupeds and Wild Birds Chapter 1. Wild Quadrupeds §137. Rules and Regulations for Chronic Wasting Disease Control Areas A. Definitions
Cervid—any animal of the family Cervidae including, but not limited to, white- tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose, caribou “reindeer”, fallow deer, axis deer, sika deer, and red deer.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)—Neurodegenerative disease found in most deer species, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, red deer, moose, and caribou. It is infectious, always fatal, and has no treatment. CWD is part of a group of diseases know as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and is similar to BSE (mad cow disease) in cattle and scrapie in sheep. These diseases cause irreversible damage to brain tissue, which leads to excessive salivation, neurological symptoms, emaciation, and death of the animal.
Control Area—A designated area consisting of the CWD infectious zone and buffer zone where mitigation measures and regulations are applied to curb further spread of the disease. The Control Area is established and defined by the map below:
B. Supplemental feeding, baiting, placement of bait, or hunting over bait is prohibited within the portion of the CWD Control Area designated as the CWD Enhanced Mitigation Zone. It is the responsibility of hunters to check their hunting area for bait prior to each hunt. A baited area is an area on which salt, grain, or other feed has been placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, if that salt, grain, or other feed could serve as a lure or attractant for wild quadrupeds or wild birds via ingestion. Supplemental feeding and baiting is allowed in the portion of the CWD Control Area designated as the CWD Buffer Zone, but only by non-stationary, mechanical or electronic broadcast methods. The use of bait not normally ingested by deer is allowed for feral hog trapping, or by holders of bear harvest permits during the designated bear baiting period.
C. The export of any cervid carcass or part of a cervid carcass originating within a designated CWD Control Area is prohibited, except for: meat that is cut and wrapped; meat that has been boned out; quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached, antlers, clean skull plates with antlers, cleaned skulls without tissue attached, capes, tanned hides, finished taxidermy mounts, and cleaned cervid teeth.
D. Approved parts transported out of the CWD Control Area must be legally possessed. Approved parts must contain a possession tag with the hunter’s name, address, LDWF license number, parish of harvest, date of harvest, and sex of deer. All cervid parts transported out of the Control Area that are in violation of the provisions of this ban shall be seized and disposed of in accordance with the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and Department of Wildlife and Fisheries rules.
E. LDWF shall establish a permitting system to allow for uncleaned cervid heads to be transported out of the Control Area solely for taxidermy purposes by waiver. AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with the Louisiana Constitution, Article IX, Section 7, R.S. 56:1, R.S. 56:5, R.S. 56:6(10), (13) and (15), R.S. 56:20, R.S. 56:112, R.S. 56:116.1 and R.S. 56:171 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, LR 48:2190 (August 2022), amended LR. Family Impact Statement
In accordance with Act 1183 of 1999 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Wildlife and Fisheries Commission hereby issues its Family Impact Statement in connection with the preceding Notice of Intent. This Notice of Intent will have no impact on the six criteria set out at R.S. 49:972(B).
Poverty Impact Statement
This proposed Rule will have no impact on poverty as described in R.S. 49:973. Provider Impact Statement
This proposed Rule has no known impact on providers as described in HCR 170 of 2014. Small Business Analysis
This proposed Rule may have a negative effect on some small businesses that sell deer feed, bait, and other attractants and related gear and equipment.
Public Comments
Interested persons may submit comments relative to the proposed Rule until Thursday, August 5, 2025, to Johnathan Bordelon, Deer Program Manager, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, 1995 Shreveport Highway, Pineville, LA 71360, phone 318-487-5334 or via e-mail to jbordelon@wlf.la.gov. Kevin Sagrera Chairman
Three Additional CWD Positive Deer Found in Captive Pens, LDWF Announces
FEBRUARY 05 2025
CONSERVATION HUNTING PUBLIC AREA AND FACILITIES Trey Iles Baton Rouge
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is alerting the public of three additional chronic wasting disease (CWD) positive captive deer in pens permitted by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF). The recent detections in Concordia, St. Landry and Tangipahoa parishes are linked to trace outs from a captive CWD positive deer pen in Jefferson Davis Parish, where CWD was first confirmed in a captive deer back in November. In addition to the recent detections, deer from the CWD positive pens have been traced to permitted pens in 11 other parishes. No other positives have been confirmed at this time.
The newly confirmed captive CWD positives and trace outs were announced by LDAF, which oversees and manages Louisiana’s captive deer program. LDWF will continue to work with LDAF to manage and mitigate impacts of CWD within Louisiana.
The recent captive CWD detections has prompted concern due to potential spillover into the wild deer population. At this time, the disease has not been detected in the wild population in any of the parishes with CWD positive deer pens and associated trace outs. Prevention is paramount in combatting this disease. Hunters can play a vital role in reporting CWD suspect deer. Hunters where deer season is still in progress can contact the nearest LDWF Field Office for sample testing information. In addition, CWD sample drop off locations are available in Concordia Parish. Contact information and locations is as follows:
Hammond Office 985-543-4777 42371 Phyllis Ann Drive, Hammond; Lafayette Office 337-262-2080 200 Dulles Drive, Lafayette; Lake Charles Office 337-491-2575 1025 Tom Watson Road, Lake Charles; Minden Office 318-371-3050 9961 Highway 80, Minden; Monroe Office 318-343-4044 368 Century Link Drive, Monroe; Pineville Office 318-487-5885 1995 Shreveport Highway, Pineville. CWD Drop Off Cooler: Richard K. Yancey WMA, 21 mi. South of Vidalia on LA 15.
CWD Drop Off Cooler: 2201 E.E. Wallace Blvd., Ferriday, LA 71334 CWD surveillance of harvested deer from these areas will be critical in understanding whether or not the native wild herd has been exposed. Early detection is crucial to slowing the spread of the disease. LDWF has conducted statewide surveillance of free-ranging deer since 2002. To date, the only CWD detections in the wild have been collected in Tensas Parish. CWD is a neurodegenerative disease of white-tailed deer and other members of the family Cervidae. It is caused by a prion, an infectious, misfolded protein particle, and is 100% fatal in affected deer after an indeterminate incubation period. There is no treatment or preventative vaccine for CWD.
CWD-infected deer may exhibit signs of weight loss and emaciation, excessive salivation, frequent drinking and urination, incoordination, circling and lack of fear of people and always results in death of the animal. Although CWD has not been shown to be contagious to humans, the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization recommend against the human consumption of deer known to be infected with CWD. Also, it is recommended that people hunting in areas known to harbor CWD-infected deer have their deer tested for the disease prior to consuming the animals.
Detailed instructions and more information can be found at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/cwd-testing.
For more information on CWD, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/cwd. For questions or more information, contact the nearest LDWF Field Office or LDWF Deer Program. jbordelon@wlf.la.gov
Three Additional CWD Positive Deer Found in Captive Pens, LDWF Announces
FEBRUARY 05 2025
Louisiana Chronic Wasting Disease CWD TSE Prion Update January 16 2025
2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 Total - all years
Tensas (only parish with a detection) 1 12 9 22
Statewide Total 1 12 9 22
https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/cwd
Louisiana CWD Captive Herds
CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CASES
Date of Index Case Confirmation Index Case State County Species Herd Type HCP Enrolled HCP Certified Number of Animals Herd Status
12/11/2024 1.5 YR Female LA St. Landry WTD Breeder No No <20 Quarantine
12/11/2024 2 YR Female LA Concordia WTD Hunt No No 60 Quarantine
12/11/2024 2 YR Female LA Tangipahoa WTD Breeder No No ukn Quarantine
11/7/2024 1.5 YR Male LA Jefferson Davis WTD Breeder Yes Yes 59 Quarantine
December 2024
Table of Contents
Title 76
WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES
Part I. Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and Agencies 70
§135. Aerial Feral Hog Control Permits ................................................................................................... 74
§137. Rules and Regulations for Chronic Wasting Disease Control Areas ............................................. 77
Agents Cite Jonesville Man for Violating CWD Regulations in Catahoula Parish
JANUARY 14 2025
LAW ENFORCEMENT Adam Einck Baton Rouge Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited a Jonesville man for allegedly violating chronic wasting disease (CWD) regulations on Jan. 9 in Catahoula Parish.
Agents cited Scotty Smart, 58, for two counts of illegally importing a cervid carcass into Louisiana.
Agents received information about two mule deer that were harvested in Colorado and brought back into Louisiana without following the CWD guidelines for importation.
During the investigation, agents learned that Smart harvested the deer in late October of 2024 in Colorado and then transported them back to Louisiana. The Colorado Department of Natural Resources tested the deer for CWD with one of them testing positive for CWD.
Agents made contact with Smart at his residence and found him in possession of two uncleaned skulls from the mule deer he harvested in Colorado. During questioning, Smart admitted to bringing the two uncleaned skulls and the meat from the two mule deer he harvested in Colorado back to Louisiana.
Agents seized and discarded the two mule deer skulls.
Louisiana implemented import regulations on deer taken out of state to reduce the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Regulations state that no one can import, transport or possess any cervid carcass or part of a cervid carcass originating outside of Louisiana except for meat that is cut and wrapped, meat that has been boned out, quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached, antlers, clean skull plates with antlers, cleaned skulls without the tissue attached, capes, tanned hides, finished taxidermy mounts and cleaned cervid teeth.
Illegal cervid carcass importation brings up to a $350 fine.
Agents participating in this case are Sgt. Raymond Davis and Corporal Jeremiah Fletcher.
Chronic Wasting Disease Update
January 2, 2025
News article
Following the analysis of movement records from the positive case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Jefferson Davis Parish and subsequent testing, the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (LADDL) has confirmed to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Office of the State Veterinarian three positive cases of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The cases were confirmed at a deer farm in each of the following parishes: Tangipahoa Parish, St. Landry, and Concordia Parish.
These farms, which also participate in the state deer program, have been issued a quarantine restricting movement into or out of the facility, including live deer or deer products.
For more information on CWD, visit https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/chronic-wasting-disease. For updates on the distribution of CWD, visit
###
Chronic Wasting Disease found in farm-raised white-tailed deer in Jefferson Davis Parish
November 15, 2024
Chronic Wasting Disease found in farm-raised white-tailed deer in Jefferson Davis Parish
Press release
For immediate release: November 15, 2024
Chronic Wasting Disease Update - January 2, 2025
Following the analysis of movement records from the positive case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Jefferson Davis Parish and subsequent testing, the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (LADDL) has confirmed to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Office of the State Veterinarian three positive cases of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The cases were confirmed at a deer farm in each of the following parishes: Tangipahoa Parish, St. Landry, and Concordia Parish.
These farms, which also participate in the state deer program, have been issued a quarantine restricting movement into or out of the facility, including live deer or deer products.
For more information on CWD, visit https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/chronic-wasting-disease. For updates on the distribution of CWD, visit
_______________________________________________
On November 7, LSU Diagnostics (Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory), in coordination with the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL), confirmed to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s Office of the State Veterinarian a positive Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) test from a deceased deer at a deer farm in Jefferson Davis Parish. The farm, a participant in the USDA CWD Voluntary Herd Certification Program administered by LDAF, has been issued a quarantine restricting movement into or out of the facility, including live deer or deer products, and a 25-mile radius surveillance zone has been activated.
Chronic Wasting Disease is a neurological disease that fatally infects white-tailed deer, elk, and moose and poses a serious threat to wild populations.
While CWD is not known to infect people, the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend against eating meat from infected animals.
The Office of the State Veterinarian has established a surveillance zone for herds near the affected deer farm and is diligently reviewing recent movement records. All deer farms in the surveillance zone are under restricted movement until further notice.
CWD cases have been identified in 34 US states, 5 Canadian provinces, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and South Korea. Signs of the disease include weight loss, uncoordinated movement, listlessness, excessive thirst or urination, drooling, drooping ears, and behavioral changes.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has conducted statewide surveillance of free-ranging deer since 2002. To date, the only CWD detections in the wild have been collected in Tensas Parish.
For more information, contact Jennifer Finley at PressSecretary@ldaf.state.la.us or visit www.ldaf.la.gov.
Contact info
Jennifer Finley, Press Secretary (225) 922-1256
presssecretary@ldaf.state.la.us Copy to Clipboard
LDWF Agents Cite Jonesville Man for Violating CWD Regulations in Catahoula Parish one of them testing positive for CWD
Agents Cite Jonesville Man for Violating CWD Regulations in Catahoula Parish
JANUARY 14 2025
LAW ENFORCEMENT Adam Einck Baton Rouge Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited a Jonesville man for allegedly violating chronic wasting disease (CWD) regulations on Jan. 9 in Catahoula Parish.
Agents cited Scotty Smart, 58, for two counts of illegally importing a cervid carcass into Louisiana.
Agents received information about two mule deer that were harvested in Colorado and brought back into Louisiana without following the CWD guidelines for importation.
During the investigation, agents learned that Smart harvested the deer in late October of 2024 in Colorado and then transported them back to Louisiana. The Colorado Department of Natural Resources tested the deer for CWD with one of them testing positive for CWD.
Agents made contact with Smart at his residence and found him in possession of two uncleaned skulls from the mule deer he harvested in Colorado. During questioning, Smart admitted to bringing the two uncleaned skulls and the meat from the two mule deer he harvested in Colorado back to Louisiana.
Agents seized and discarded the two mule deer skulls.
Louisiana implemented import regulations on deer taken out of state to reduce the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Regulations state that no one can import, transport or possess any cervid carcass or part of a cervid carcass originating outside of Louisiana except for meat that is cut and wrapped, meat that has been boned out, quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached, antlers, clean skull plates with antlers, cleaned skulls without the tissue attached, capes, tanned hides, finished taxidermy mounts and cleaned cervid teeth.
Illegal cervid carcass importation brings up to a $350 fine.
Agents participating in this case are Sgt. Raymond Davis and Corporal Jeremiah Fletcher.
December 2024
II. EMERGENCY RULES Agriculture and Forestry Office of Animal Health and Food Safety—Alternative Livestock—Chronic Waste Disease, Transport of Deer Heads from Quarantined Facility within Louisiana for Taxidermy Purposes (LAC 7:XXI.1705, 1730)
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Louisiana Register Vol. 50, No. 12 December 20, 2024 1790
Emergency Rules
DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY
Department of Agriculture and Forestry Office of Animal Health and Food Safety
Alternative Livestock—Chronic Wasting Disease; Transport of Deer Heads from Quarantined Facility within Louisiana for Taxidermy Purposes
(LAC 7:XXI.1705 and 1730)
In accordance with the emergency provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:962, and under the authority of R.S. 3:3101, the commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry declares an emergency to exist and adopts by emergency process the regulations set forth herein for Chronic Wasting Disease for alternative livestock facilities. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a neurodegenerative disease found in most deer species, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, red deer, moose, and caribou. It is infectious, always fatal, and has no known treatment. These diseases cause irreversible damage to brain tissue, which leads to salivation, neurological symptoms, emaciation, and death of the animal.
Pursuant to R.S. 3:3101, the commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry is vested with authority to regulate alternative livestock, including imported exotic deer and antelope, elk, facility-raised white tail deer and other exotic cervidae within the state of Louisiana.
Since 2009, the Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) has been working in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) CWD Program, and since 2011, Louisiana, through LDAF, has been a participating approved state, as defined by that program. In compliance with that program, LDAF submits annual comprehensive Herd Certification Program (HCP) Reports to APHIS for review and endorsement, whereby the state’s compliance with the program requirements and disease control efforts is monitored.
Despite the successful measures by LDAF to control the transmission and environmental contamination of CWD within alternative livestock populations, CWD continues to pose threats to cervid populations across Louisiana. Left unchecked, CWD has the potential to infect entire cervid herds resulting in considerable economic loss to cervid farmers, the deer-hunting industry, and the state of Louisiana.
facility, including live deer or deer products, and a 25-mile radius surveillance zone has been activated.
The Office of the State Veterinarian has established a surveillance zone for herds near the affected deer farm and is diligently reviewing recent movement records. All deer farms in the surveillance zone are under restricted movement On November 7, 2024, LSU Diagnostics (Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory), in coordination with the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL), confirmed to the Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s Office of the State Veterinarian a positive (CWD) test from a deceased deer at a deer farm in Jefferson Davis Parish. The farm, a participant in the USDA CWD Voluntary Herd Certification Program administered by LDAF, has been issued a quarantine restricting movement into or out of the until further notice.
The provisions established in this emergency regulation are necessary to prevent the spread of CWD in Louisiana into alternative livestock facilities in the state of Louisiana. For these reasons, the potential spread of CWD in Louisiana presents an imminent peril to the public health, safety, and welfare to Louisiana’s citizens, the state’s alternative livestock, and the state’s alternative livestock industry, as set forth in R.S. 49:962(A)(1)(a).
This Emergency Rule shall have the force and effect of law upon signature, on November 25, 2024, and will remain in effect for 180 days, unless renewed by the commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry. For more information about this Emergency Rule, please contact Amy L. McInnis at (225) 922-1250.
Title 7
AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS
Part XXI. Plant Protection and Quarantine
Chapter 17. Alternative Livestock—White-Tailed Deer and Captive Cervids
[Formerly Chapter 15] §1705. Definitions [Formerly §1503] A. … * * *
Quarantined Facility—any farm or deer pen that has been placed under quarantine by order of the state veterinarian. * * *
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:3101.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of the Commissioner, LR 24:282 (February 1998), amended LR 24:1671 (September 1998), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Animal Health, LR 38:961 (April 2012), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety and the Board of Animal Health, LR 40:971 (May 2014), amended LR 42:1864 (November 2016), amended LR 49:234 (February 2023); amended LR 51:
§1730. Chronic Wasting Disease; Transport of Deer Heads from Quarantined Facility within Louisiana for Taxidermy Purposes.
A. Except as otherwise indicated herein, the transport of intact deer heads from within a LDAF-designated CWD Quarantined Facility to areas outside of the CWD Quarantined Facility is prohibited and shall be subject to enforcement action as set forth in this Chapter, including but not limited to seizure of deer parts.
B. Intact deer heads from within a LDAF-designated CWD Quarantined Facility may be transported to taxidermists within Louisiana for taxidermy purposes outside of the CWD Quarantined Facility only if:
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Louisiana Register Vol. 50, No. 12 December 20, 2024
1. a permit is first obtained from LDAF, specifically authorizing the transport of that particular intact deer head from the Quarantined Facility to a specified Louisiana taxidermist or taxidermy business;
2. the permit is obtained prior to transport of the intact deer head; and
3. the intact deer head must be delivered to the taxidermist or taxidermy business within 72 hours of the issuance of the permit.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:3101 and 3:2094.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety,
LR 51:
Mike Strain, DVM Commissioner
DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY
Department of Agriculture and Forestry Office of Animal Health and Food Safety
Alternative Livestock—Chronic Wasting Disease (LAC 7:XXI.1705, 1727-1737)
In accordance with the emergency provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:953.1, and under the authority of R.S. 3:3101, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry declares an emergency to exist and adopts by emergency process the regulations set forth herein for Chronic Wasting Disease for alternative livestock facilities. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a neurodegenerative disease found in most deer species, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, red deer, moose, and caribou. It is infectious, always fatal, and has no known treatment. These diseases cause irreversible damage to brain tissue, which leads to salivation, neurological symptoms, emaciation, and death of the animal.
Pursuant to R.S. 3:3101, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry is vested with authority to regulate alternative livestock, including imported exotic deer and antelope, elk, facility-raised white tail deer and other exotic cervidae within the state of Louisiana.
Since 2009, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) has been working in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) CWD Program, and since 2011, Louisiana, through LDAF, has been a Participating Approved State, as defined by that program. In compliance with that program, LDAF submits annual comprehensive Herd Certification Program (HCP) Reports to APHIS for review and endorsement, whereby the state’s compliance with the program requirements and disease control efforts is monitored.
Due to the nation-wide rise in the number of CWD- positive cases among cervid populations, LDAF closed the state borders to prevent entry of cervids in 2012. As a precautionary measure, in 2013 and again in 2015, LDAF decommissioned three herds of cervids at alternative livestock facilities, where a total of 136 cervids were depopulated and tested for CWD. All sample results tested were negative for CWD. To date, no cervids within captive alternative livestock facilities within the state have tested positive for CWD.
Despite the successful measures by LDAF to control the transmission and environmental contamination of CWD within alternative livestock populations, CWD continues to pose threats to cervid populations across Louisiana. Left unchecked, CWD has the potential to infect entire cervid herds resulting in considerable economic loss to cervid farmers, the deer-hunting industry, and the state of Louisiana.
On January 28, 2022, the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (LADDL) at LSU detected CWD in a sample submitted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) from a hunter-harvested adult buck in Tensas Parish. The sample was thereafter confirmed as positive for CWD by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL). The CWD-positive buck was not harvested from an alternative livestock facility. The provisions established in this emergency regulation are necessary to prevent the spread of CWD in Louisiana into alternative livestock facilities in the state of Louisiana. For these reasons, the potential spread of CWD in Louisiana presents an imminent peril to the public health, safety, and welfare to Louisiana’s citizens, the state’s alternative livestock, and the state’s alternative livestock industry, as set forth in R.S. 49:953(A)(1)(a).
This Rule shall have the force and effect of law upon signature, and will remain in effect for 180 days, unless renewed by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry.
Title 7 AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS Part XXI. Plant Protection and Quarantine Chapter 17. Alternative Livestock—White-Tailed Deer and Captive Cervids (Formerly Chapter 15) §1705. Definitions (Formerly §1503) A. …
* * *
Certified herds—a herd that has enrolled in the Herd Certification Program and has attained Certified status as defined in 9 CFR part 55.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)—a neurodegenerative disease found in most deer species, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, red deer, moose, and caribou. It is infectious, always, fatal, and has no treatment. CWD is part of a group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and is similar to BSE (mad cow disease) in cattle and scrapie in sheep. These diseases cause irreversible damage to brain tissue in the animal, which leads to excessive salivation, neurological symptoms, emaciation, and death of the animal.
* * *
Enrolled Herds—a herd that has enrolled in a Herd Certification Program and met the minimum requirements defined in 9 CFR part 55.
* * *
Surveillance Zone—an LDAF-designated area consisting of a 25 mile radius from the positive animal in which mitigation measures and regulations are applied to alternative livestock facilities.
* * *
USDA—the United States Department of Agriculture. AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:3101.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of the Commissioner, LR 24:282 (February 1998), amended LR 24:1671 (September 1998), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Animal Health, LR 38:961 (April 2012), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety and the Board of Animal Health, LR 40:971 (May 2014), amended LR 42:1864 (November 2016), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, LR 48:
§1727. Chronic Wasting Disease; Surveillance Zones
A. Whenever the commissioner or his designee has been notified that any cervid, whether in an alternative livestock facility or not, has tested positive for CWD anywhere within the state, he may establish a surveillance zone by the following procedures:
1. by giving notice, in writing, to any and all alternative livestock facilities within the surveillance zone;
2. by publishing notice of the surveillance zone in the Louisiana Register; and
3. by posting notice of the surveillance zone on the LDAF website.
B. Once imposed, a surveillance zone will remain in effect unless and until otherwise cancelled or modified by the commissioner or his designee.
C. LDAF shall annually, on or before December 31, publish in the Louisiana Register a list of all areas of Louisiana which are included in surveillance zones.
D. The commissioner or his designee may, at his discretion, cancel a surveillance zone or modify an area from a surveillance zone when it is proven to his satisfaction that the area has been mitigated and no longer warrants surveillance zone restrictions, by the following procedures:
1. by giving notice, in writing, to any and all alternative livestock facilities within the surveillance zone;
2. by publishing notice of the surveillance zone in the Louisiana Register; and
3. by posting notice of the surveillance zone on the LDAF website.
E. Surveillance zones in this state include:
1. an area consisting of a 25-mile radius from the positive animal.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:3101.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, LR 48:
§1729. Chronic Wasting Disease; Export of Carcasses from a Surveillance Zone
A. The export of any cervid carcass or part of a cervid carcass originating from a facility, as defined in this Chapter, located within a surveillance zone, is prohibited, except for:
1. meat that has been cut and wrapped;
2. meat that has been boned out;
3. quarters or other portions of meat with no spinal column or head attached;
4. antlers;
5. cleaned skull plates with antlers;
6. cleaned skulls without tissue attached;
7. capes;
8. tanned hides;
9. finished taxidermy mounts; and
10. cleaned cervid teeth.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:3101.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, LR 48:
§1731. Chronic Wasting Disease; Transport of Cervids in Surveillance Zone.
A. The transport of alternative livestock into, out of, and within an LDAF-designated surveillance zone is prohibited, except as indicated in this Chapter.
B. Alternative livestock may be transported into, out of, and within an LDAF-designated surveillance zone only with prior authorization of LDAF in the form of an LDAF-issued permit.
C. Permits to transport into, out of, or within an LDAF- designated surveillance zone may be obtained by contacting the Office of Animal Health.
D. Failure to obtain a permit prior to transporting alternative livestock to or from a facility located within an LDAF-designated surveillance zone shall constitute a violation of this Chapter.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:3101.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, LR 48:
§1733. Chronic Wasting Disease; Certified Herds; Non- Certified/Non-Enrolled Herds
A. Alternative livestock facilities who have voluntarily enrolled in the USDA/APHIS Herd Certification Program may transport cervids into, out of, and within the surveillance zone subject to the following requirements.
1. Certified Herds who have been in good standing with the USDA/APHIS CWD Program for a period of at least 60 months may transport cervids into, out of and within the surveillance zone only upon the prior issuance of an LDAF-issued movement permit.
2. Enrolled Herds who have been in good standing with the USDA/APHIS CWD Program for a period of at least 24 months may transport cervids into, out of, and within the surveillance zone only:
a. upon the prior issuance of an LDAF-issued transport permit; and
b. in accordance with same guidelines and procedures set forth in Appendix II - USDA-APHIS CWD Program Standards (May 2019 or amended).
B. Alternative livestock facilities located within a surveillance zone shall stock any new herds with cervids from a USDA/APHIS-certified herd and shall first obtain a license from LDAF to do so.
C. Movement is prohibited in non-enrolled herds.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:3101.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, LR 48:
§1735. Chronic Wasting Disease: Permits and Licenses
A. Permits to transport alternative livestock within an LDAF-designated surveillance zone, and licenses to establish new herds, may be obtained by application to the Office of Animal Health.
B. Permits to transport and/or permits to establish new herds may be cancelled by the commissioner or his designee whenever, in his sole judgment, such cancellation is necessary to prevent the spread of CWD.
C. Permits to transport shall specify the origin, destination, proposed date(s) of transport, and individual official identification for each animal being transported.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:3101.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, LR 48:
§1737. Chronic Wasting Disease; Enforcement.
A. Any person violating the provisions of R.S. 3:3101 et seq. or this Chapter shall be subject to enforcement action
B. The commissioner may suspend or revoke any license issued under the provisions of R.S. 3:3108 and this Chapter. The commissioner may also assess a civil penalty for violation of any provision of R.S. 3:1461 et seq., or any violation of any regulation enacted under the authority of said statutes.
C. Whenever the commissioner has reason to believe that any person has violated any provision of the R.S. 3:3101 et seq., or this Chapter, the commissioner shall notify the person of the alleged violation as well as an opportunity to respond thereto, by certified mail, prior to any scheduled hearing date.
D. Each separate day on which any violation occurs shall be considered a separate violation.
E. No penalty may be assessed, nor may any license be suspended or revoked by the commissioner, prior to the holding of an adjudicatory hearing before a hearing officer. Such adjudicatory hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act; any person alleged to have violated any provision of R.S. 3:3101 et seq., or this Chapter shall be accorded all rights and privileges under said Act.
F. The hearing officer shall make an initial determination on alleged violations and recommend findings of fact and conclusions of law together with penalties, if applicable, in writing.
G. The commissioner shall make the final determination on the disposition of alleged violations.
H. Reinstatement of a revoked license shall be by a formal hearing before a hearing officer held pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, and shall require the approval of the commissioner.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:3101.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, LR 48:
Mike Strain DVM Commissioner
Louisiana Men Convicted of Conspiracy to Unlawfully Transport Live White-Tailed Deer from Louisiana to Mississippi Thursday, January 25, 2024 Share right caret.svg
For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Mississippi Jackson, Miss. – Two Louisiana men pled guilty to conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, announced U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee, Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephanie Johnson of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Colonel Jerry Carter of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
Brandon Scott Favre, 49, of Baton Rouge, pled guilty on November 8, 2023; and Jason Martin, 50, of Hackberry, pled guilty on January 19, 2024. Both defendants pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of conspiring to transport a live white-tailed deer from the state of Louisiana to the state of Mississippi in violation of state and federal laws.
Favre was sentenced to a 4-year term of supervised probation and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. He was also ordered to implement a four-year Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) sampling and testing plan on an 850-acre enclosure and ordered to pay $59,808.19 in restitution for the costs of the CWD sampling and testing plan that will be conducted by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). As part of this plan, 40 white-tailed deer will be harvested each of the four years by the MDWFP for CWD testing.
Martin is scheduled to be sentenced on April 3, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 1 year imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. A federal magistrate judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents and statements made in open court, from October 2020, through June 2021, Favre and Martin entered into an agreement to transport and receive from Louisiana into Mississippi a live white-tailed deer. In April 2021, Martin transported the deer as agreed upon and delivered to Mistletoe Properties, a permitted 850-acre high-fence enclosure for white-tailed deer operated by Favre, located in Adams County, Mississippi. Once delivered, the deer was put into an unpermitted breeding pen located on the property. The deer was transported from Louisiana without documentation, in violation of Louisiana law, and transported into Mississippi, in violation of Mississippi law, and all in violation of federal law.
Federal law makes it unlawful to transport live white-tailed deer from one state to another without proper documentation and without required animal health records. These records include certifying that captive-bred animals are free from diseases such as chronic wasting disease. The Mississippi Board of Animal Health has declared that white-tailed deer are considered chronic wasting disease susceptible animals and are not allowed entry into Mississippi. The State of Louisiana requires any person who keeps, breeds, raises, contains, harvests, buys, sells, trades, or transfers ownership of any type of farm-raised alternative livestock for commercial purposes shall obtain a farm-raising license prior to engaging in such activity. Additionally, the State of Louisiana requires any person with a farm-raising license to maintain records, for not less than 60 months, of all sales, trades, or transfers of any farm-raised alternative livestock. White-tailed deer are considered farm-raised alternative livestock. Chronic wasting disease is the chief threat to wild deer and elk populations in North America. The disease, which ultimately ends in the death of infected animals, is a transmissible neurological disease that produces small lesions in the brain of deer and elk and is characterized by loss of body condition and behavioral abnormalities.
USFWS Acting SAC Stephanie Johnson stated: "This prosecution is an excellent example of what we can accomplish through the collaboration that occurs every day between the USFWS and our enforcement partners. The MDWFP and USFWS share a vested interest in combating the spread of diseases which threaten our native wildlife populations and are potentially spread through the interstate transport of deer in violation of state and federal laws."
MDWFP Colonel Jerry Carter stated: “The MDWFP takes the interstate transport and unlawful importation of White-tailed deer into the State of Mississippi seriously. We will continue to work collaborative criminal investigations with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service & the U.S. Attorney’s Office to detect and prosecute those who choose to violate the laws of this state.”
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks – Investigations Unit, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Office of Law Enforcement investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway is prosecuting the case.
Updated January 25, 2024 https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/louisiana-men-convicted-conspiracy-unlawfully-transport-live-white-tailed-deer
United States v. Jason Martin, et al., No. 5:23-CR-00010 (S.D. Miss.), AUSA Herbert S. Carraway
On April 23, 2024, a court sentenced Jason Martin to pay a $5,000 fine and complete a four-year term of probation. Martin and co-defendant Brandon Favre pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. § 371).
Between October 2020 and June 2021, Favre and Martin transported live white-tailed deer from Louisiana into Mississippi. In April 2021, Martin delivered deer to Mistletoe Properties, a permitted 850-acre high-fence enclosure for white-tailed deer operated by Favre. Upon delivery, the deer entered an unpermitted breeding pen located on the property. The deer were illegally transported interstate without documentation. Among the required records are those that certify captive-bred animals are free from diseases such as chronic wasting disease (CWD). CWD is the chief threat to wild deer and elk populations in North America.
Favre was sentenced in January 2024 to pay a $5,000 fine and complete a four-year term of probation. He was also ordered to implement a four-year CWD sampling and testing plan at the Mistletoe property and will pay $59,808 in restitution for the sampling costs. Favre also will submit 40 white-tailed deer for harvesting each of the four years for CWD testing.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Investigations Unit, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement conducted the investigation.
United States v. Jason Martin, et al., No. 5:23-CR-00010 (S.D. Miss.), AUSA Herbert S. Carraway
On January 19, 2024, Jason Martin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. § 371). Co-defendant Brandon S. Favre entered a similar plea in November 2023. Martin is scheduled for sentencing on April 3, 2024.
Between October 2020 and June 2021, Favre and Martin transported live white-tailed deer from Louisiana into Mississippi. In April 2021, Martin delivered deer to Mistletoe Properties, a permitted 850-acre high-fence enclosure for white-tailed deer operated by Favre. Upon delivery, the deer entered an unpermitted breeding pen located on the property. The deer were illegally transported interstate without documentation. Among the required records are those that certify captive-bred animals are free from diseases such as chronic wasting disease (CWD). CWD is the chief threat to wild deer and elk populations in North America.
A court sentenced Favre to pay a $5,000 fine and complete a four-year term of probation. He was also ordered to implement a four-year CWD sampling and testing plan at the Mistletoe property and will pay $59,808 in restitution for the sampling costs. Favre also will submit 40 white-tailed deer for harvesting each of the four years for CWD testing.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Investigations Unit, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement conducted the investigation.
Updated February 14, 2024
Two Louisiana Men Sentenced for Smuggling Live White-Tailed Deer into Mississippi Thursday, September 13, 2018 Share right caret.svg
For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Mississippi Hattiesburg, Miss. – Edward L. Donaldson Jr., 75, and John Jared Oertling, 42, both residents of Pearl River, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, were sentenced in Hattiesburg Tuesday on charges of conspiring to smuggle live white-tailed deer into Mississippi, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Luis Santiago of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement.
United States District Judge Keith Starrett sentenced Donaldson and Oertling each to three years of probation, a fine of $10,000, and a worldwide prohibition from hunting of any type for one year. Oertling was also sentenced to serve 6 months of house arrest under location monitoring. Judge Starrett further ordered that the 1,031 acre high-fenced enclosure, known as Turkey Trot, and owned by Donaldson’s daughter and Oertling’s wife, is to be quarantined by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks for 5 years and the white-tailed deer inside are to be subjected to testing for chronic wasting disease paid for by Donaldson and Oertling in the amount of $120,000.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent in Charge Luis Santiago stated: "We take our mission working with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and the citizens of Mississippi in conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats very seriously. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, considers the potential spread of disease caused by the illegal commercialization of wildlife resources a high priority, and we will continue to work closely with our State partners to assist them in these important investigations."
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of the Inspector General, and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Darren J. LaMarca and Dave Fulcher.
Updated September 13, 2018
SEE !!!
The Information also alleges that it was part of the conspiracy that the defendants would unlawfully smuggle the live white-tailed deer into Mississippi for the purpose of breeding and killing trophy white-tailed buck deer.
***> Donaldson Jr. and Oertling learned in 2012 that the live white-tailed deer purchased and imported from Pennsylvania to Turkey Trott Ranch in Forrest County, Mississippi came from a herd of captive white-tailed deer in PA that tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
Two Louisiana Residents Plead Guilty to Smuggling Live White-Tailed Deer into Mississippi Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Share right caret.svg
For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Edward L. Donaldson Jr., 75, and John Jared Oertling, 42, both residents of Pearl River, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, pled guilty today to conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act for importing live white-tailed deer into Mississippi, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Luis Santiago of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement.
Mississippi law makes it unlawful to import live white-tailed deer into the State of Mississippi and authorizes the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Commission with the responsibility of establishing regulations governing the importation of white-tailed deer with the emphasis on preventing the introduction of disease. The Commission established a regulation that mirrors the state statute, prohibiting the importation of live white- tailed deer into the State of Mississippi. The Lacey Act makes it unlawful for any person to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire or purchase wildlife that were taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of any law or regulation of any state.
Donaldson and Oertling admitted to United States District Judge Keith Starrett to purchasing and transporting live white-tailed deer into Mississippi in violation of state and federal law from February 2010 through November 2012. Donaldson and Oertling manage a 1,031 acre high fenced enclosure in Forrest County, Mississippi, known as Turkey Trott Ranch .
Donaldson and Oertling admitted that the live white-tailed deer purchased and imported from Pennsylvania to Turkey Trott Ranch in Forrest County, Mississippi, came from a herd of captive white-tailed deer in Pennsylvania that tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is the chief threat to deer and elk populations in North America. The disease, which ultimately ends in death of infected animals, is a transmissible neurological disease that produces small lesions in the brain of deer and elk and is characterized by loss of body condition and behavioral abnormalities.
This is the third such case brought by federal authorities against South Mississippi landowners caught importing white-tailed deer since February of 2014. "The illegal transportation and importation of live animals across state lines can have a potentially devastating impact on the health and safety of our citizens. This case demonstrates our continuing commitment, together with our federal and state law enforcement partners, to hunt down and prosecute those who choose to violate federal law," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent in Charge Luis Santiago stated: "We take our mission working with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and the citizens
of Mississippi in conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats very seriously. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement considers the potential spread of disease caused by the illegal commercialization of wildlife resources a high priority, and we will continue to work closely with our State partners to assist them in these important investigations."
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of the Inspector General, and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. It is being prosecuted by Criminal Division Chief Darren J. LaMarca.
Updated October 17, 2017 https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/two-louisiana-residents-plead-guilty-smuggling-live-white-tailed-deer-mississippi
Three Louisiana Residents Sentenced For Federal Lacey Act Violations Thursday, October 30, 2014 Share right caret.svg
For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Mississippi GULFPORT, Miss. – Ronald W. Reine, 67, Brian R. Reine, 44, Bruce A. Swilley Jr., 27, and Omni Pinnacle, LLC, all of Slidell, Louisiana, were sentenced in federal court today on violations of the Lacey Act for importing white-tailed deer into Mississippi, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, Special Agent in Charge Luis Santiago of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Director of Investigations Robert T. Oliveri with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
Brian Reine, who previously pled guilty to the felony offense of importing white-tailed deer, was sentenced to nine months in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons and two years of supervised release. His father, Ronald Reine, who previously pled guilty to the misdemeanor offense of importing white-tailed deer, was sentenced to three years of probation, six months home confinement and a $10,000 fine. Bruce Swilley, who previously pled guilty to the misdemeanor offense of importing white-tailed deer, was sentenced to three years of probation, nine months home confinement and a $10,000 fine. Their closely held corporation, Omni Pinnacle, LLC, pled guilty to a felony and was sentenced to five years of probation. All defendants were ordered to pay restitution to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks in the amount of $1.5 million. Each defendant forfeited all interest in the white-tailed deer, a truck and breeding facility.
In the latter part of 2012, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks initiated an investigation into the illegal importation of live white-tailed deer into the state of Mississippi. Omni Pinnacle, a corporation based in Slidell, Louisiana, along with Brian Reine, Ronald Reine and Bruce Swilley, Jr., all residents of Slidell, conspired to import the white-tailed deer onto their property in Lamar County and Pearl River County, Mississippi. From 2009-2012, at least nine shipments of white-tailed deer, with a value exceeding $100,000, were released onto their property known as Half Moon Ranch and Hunter’s Bluff.
Importing live white-tailed deer and falsifying records is a violation of state and federal law. Importing live white-tailed deer can introduce Chronic Wasting Disease into the native deer herds and bovine tuberculosis and bovine brucellosis into livestock. In addition, the importation of white-tailed deer represents a great danger to Mississippi’s hunting heritage and to the $900 million economic benefit white-tailed deer provide to the state.
“The Department of Justice is committed to enforcing the Lacey Act and other federal laws to protect our wildlife resources,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. “This office will continue to work closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to enforce the Lacey Act. It is my hope that the $1.5 Million payment in restitution will help mitigate any damage done by these defendants and send a strong message that the illegal importation of white tail deer into our State will not be tolerated.”
United States Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent in Charge Luis Santiago stated, “We take our mission working with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and the citizens of Mississippi in conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats very seriously. We will continue working vigorously investigating those who choose to violate state and federal laws.”
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Director of Investigations Robert T. Oliveri commented, “The importation of white-tailed deer into Mississippi is a violation of both state and federal law and that this sentence should act as a deterrent to others who might consider importing white-tailed deer into the state.”
This case was prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Division Chief Darren LaMarca.
Updated November 30, 2015
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025
Louisiana Chronic Wasting Disease CWD TSE Prion Update January 16 2025
FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2023
Louisiana LDWF Eleven Deer Tested Positive for CWD During 2022-23 Hunting Season
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023
Louisiana LDWF: Five Additional Suspected Cases Of CWD Discovered In Tensas Parish
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 04, 2022
Louisiana Declaration of Emergency order, Deer Feeding and Carcass Export Ban in Tensas, Franklin and Madison Parishes Due to CWD, LDWF Announces
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 02, 2022
Louisiana Suspect CWD Case Found in a White-tailed Deer in Tensas Parish
CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CWD TRANSMISSIBLE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY TSE PRION PrP
LDWF) Zoom public meeting March 2 at 6:30 p.m. Singeltary Comment CWD TSE PrP
Louisiana Suspect CWD Case Found in a White-tailed Deer in Tensas Parish
Ed Pratt (225) 765-3970 epratt@wlf.la.gov For Immediate Release February 2, 2022 The Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (LADDL) has reported a suspect case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).
The tentative diagnosis was made on samples submitted by LDWF staff from a hunter-harvested adult buck taken on private land in Tensas Parish. The deer was emaciated when harvested, thus a high-value sample for surveillance.
LADDL has submitted the suspect sample to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa for confirmatory testing. If confirmed, this would be the first case of CWD found in Louisiana.
Tensas Parish has been an area of heightened surveillance for CWD by LDWF since a case of CWD was found in Issaquena County, Miss., in 2018. Two additional cases of CWD were diagnosed in Warren County, Miss., during the 2021-2022 hunting season.
CWD is a neurodegenerative disease of white-tailed deer and other members of the family Cervidae. It is caused by a prion, an infectious, misfolded protein particle, and is 100-percent fatal in affected deer after an indeterminate incubation period. There is no treatment or preventative vaccine for CWD.
CWD-infected deer may exhibit signs of weight loss and emaciation, salivation, frequent drinking and urination, incoordination, circling, and lack of fear of people, and always results in death of the animal.
“This is what we have feared,” said LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet. “We will count on the diligence of our hunters, property owners, deer processors and taxidermists in monitoring and helping to control the spread of CWD.”
Although CWD has not been shown to be contagious to humans, the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization recommend against the human consumption of deer known to be infected with CWD. Also, it is recommended that people hunting in areas known to harbor CWD-infected deer have their deer tested for the disease prior to consuming the animals. LDWF will provide testing for hunter-harvested deer free of charge.
Hunters desiring to have their harvested deer tested for CWD can contact local LDWF Field Offices to have their deer tested. Testing is performed on the brainstem and lymph nodes of the head. The head and 5-inches or more of the neck can be removed and refrigerated for submission to LDWF. The skull plate and antlers can be removed prior to testing if desired. The LDWF regional office contact information and locations are as follows:
Hammond Office 985-543-4777 42371 Phyllis Ann Drive Hammond; Lafayette Office 337-262-2080 200 Dulles Drive Lafayette; Lake Charles Office 337-491-2575 1213 North Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles; Minden Office 318-371-3050 9961 Hwy 80, Minden; Monroe Office 318-343-4044 368 Century Link Dr, Monroe; Pineville Office 318-487-5885 765 Maryhill Rd., Pineville. Detailed instructions and more information can be found at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/cwd-testing.
For more information on CWD, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/cwd.
Questions can be addressed to Dr. Jim LaCour at Jlacour@wlf.la.gov
LDWF VS CWD
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2022
Louisiana, NVSL Confirms first case of CWD TSE PrP in WTD
MONDAY, DECEMBER 06, 2021
Louisiana Chronic Wasting Disease CWD TSE Prion Surveillance plan, wait until it finds you, a terrible plan
THURSDAY, JANUARY 02, 2020
Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to Meet Thursday, January 9, 2020 Establish a Mandatory Chronic Wasting Disease Testing Program for Cervid Alternative Livestock Industry
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2016
Louisiana Notice of Intent Cervid Carcass Importation (LAC XIX.V.1.119) CWD TSE PRION
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016
Louisiana Chronic Wasting Disease CWD TSE Prion Surveillance and Testing Program?
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Chronic Wasting Disease CWD quarantine Louisiana via CWD index herd Pennsylvania Update May 28, 2013
6 doe from Pennsylvania CWD index herd still on the loose in Louisiana, quarantine began on October 18, 2012, still ongoing, Lake Charles premises.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
PENNSYLVANIA 2012 THE GREAT ESCAPE OF CWD INVESTIGATION MOVES INTO LOUISIANA and INDIANA
Control of Chronic Wasting Disease OMB Control Number: 0579-0189APHIS-2021-0004 Singeltary Submission
Docket No. APHIS-2018-0011 Chronic Wasting Disease Herd Certification
Docket No. FDA-2003-D-0432 (formerly 03D-0186) Use of Material from Deer and Elk in Animal Feed
PUBLIC SUBMISSION
Comment from Terry Singeltary Sr.
Posted by the Food and Drug Administration on May 17, 2016 Comment
Docket No. FDA-2003-D-0432 (formerly 03D-0186) Use of Material from Deer and Elk in Animal Feed Singeltary Submission
APHIS Indemnity Regulations [Docket No. APHIS-2021-0010] RIN 0579-AE65 Singeltary Comment Submission
Comment from Singeltary Sr., Terry
Posted by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on Sep 8, 2022
Published: 05 August 2025
Vertical transmission of chronic wasting disease in free-ranging white-tailed deer populations
Abstract Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting cervids across North America, Northern Europe, and Asia. Disease transmission among cervids has historically been attributed to direct animal-to-animal contact with ‘secreta’ (saliva, blood, urine, and feces) containing the infectious agent, and indirect contact with the agent shed to the environment in these bodily components. Mounting evidence provides another mechanism of CWD transmission, that from mother-to-offspring, including during pregnancy (vertical transmission). Here we describe the detection of the infectious CWD agent and prion seeding in fetal and reproductive tissues collected from healthy-appearing free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from multiple U.S. states by mouse bioassay and in vitro prion amplification assays. This is the first report of the infectious agent in multiple in utero derived fetal and maternal-fetal reproductive tissues, providing evidence that CWD infections are propagated within gestational fetal tissues of white-tailed deer populations. This work confirms previous experimental and field findings in several cervid species supporting vertical transmission as an additional mechanism of CWD transmission and may help to further explain the facile dissemination of this disease among captive and free-ranging cervid populations.
Snip…
We report infectious prions in the reproductive and fetal tissue of naturally exposed free-ranging white-tailed deer suggesting that in utero maternal transmission is likely an underappreciated mode of CWD transmission. Our study shows that vertical transmission is indeed a viable route of infection within the southeastern U.S. and is another potential factor contributing to the relentless spread of chronic wasting disease.
***> Politicians, sperm mills, Semen, And CWD, what if?
Jerking for Dollars, and CWD TSE Prion, what if?
Talk about big bucks: Deer semen donations are fueling South Texas campaign Each deer semen straw — from bucks with names like Gladiator Sunset, Sweet Dreams and Bandit — was assigned a $1,000 value, according to her campaign finance report.
THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2025
CWD TSE Prion, Politics, Friendly Fire, Unforeseen Consequences, What If?
SUNDAY, AUGUST 02, 2015
TEXAS CWD, Have you been ThunderStruck, deer semen, straw bred bucks, super ovulation, and the potential TSE Prion connection, what if?
Detection of chronic wasting disease prions in soil at an illegal white-tailed deer carcass disposal site
Published online: 06 Jun 2025
Abstract
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a contagious prion disorder affecting cervids such as deer, elk, caribou, and moose, causing progressive and severe neurological degeneration followed by eventual death. As CWD prions (PrPSc) accumulate in the body, they are shed through excreta and secreta, as well as through decomposing carcasses. Prions can persist in the environment for years, posing significant concerns for ongoing transmission to susceptible cervids and pose an unknown risk to sympatric species. We used a validated protocol for real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) in vitro prion amplification assay to detect prions in soil collected within and around an illegal white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus, WTD) carcass disposal site and associated captive WTD farm in Beltrami County, Minnesota. We detected PrPSc in 26 of 201 soil samples across 15 locations within the illegal disposal site and one on the farm that housed the cervids. Importantly, a subset of RT-QuIC positive soil samples was collected from soils where carcasses were recovered, providing direct evidence that environmental contamination resulted from this illegal activity. These findings reveal that improper cervid carcass disposal practices may have important implications for ongoing CWD transmission through the environment.
Snip…
Conclusions
Using RT-QuIC, we detected PrPSc in 26 of 201 soil samples collected across 16 locations on public land where WTD carcasses had been disposed and the captive facility from where they originated. Within the disposal site, 25 out of 124 soil samples (20%) tested positive for PrPSc. Among those positive detections, 17, or 68%, were collected from locations where CWD-positive WTD remains had been previously recovered. This environmental investigation demonstrates how improper cervid carcass disposal practices can result in persistent environmental contamination, posing a potential risk to wildlife health. Given that disposal of livestock on the landscape is a common practice among producers [Citation54–56], these findings underscore the need for improved disposal practices and further investigation of environmental impacts. Expanding on this area of environmental research is crucial as the geographic range of CWD continues to expand [Citation57]. The use of RT-QuIC for prion detection in environmental samples offers an exciting advancement to environmental surveillance for prions, though as we demonstrate here and in Grunklee et al. [Citation41], assay optimization and validation for use with different environmental samples, including new soil types, is still necessary. Further enhancements to RT-QuIC and other methodologies for prion detection will facilitate more opportunities to explore the persistence, degradation, transport, and remediation of environmental prions.
While the disease control measures effectively eliminated prion seeding activity in CWD-affected farms, CWD recurred at two of the 18 remediated farms 4 to 5 years after restocking animals. It remains unclear whether the recurrence of CWD at the two farms was due to residual prions in the environment after the control measures, or the introduction of the infected animals from other farms. This uncertainty is heightened by the annual occurrence of CWD at multiple farms and the absence of a traceability system for farmed cervids.
Keywords: Chronic wasting disease (CWD); NaOH; Protein-misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA); Republic of Korea; farm; prions; remediation; topsoil.
“While the disease control measures effectively eliminated prion seeding activity in CWD-affected farms, CWD recurred at two of the 18 remediated farms 4 to 5 years after restocking animals.”
I remember what “deep throat” told me about Scrapie back around 2001, during early days of my BSE investigation, after my Mom died from hvCJD, I never forgot, and it seems it’s come to pass;
***> Confidential!!!!
***> As early as 1992-3 there had been long studies conducted on small pastures containing scrapie infected sheep at the sheep research station associated with the Neuropathogenesis Unit in Edinburgh, Scotland. Whether these are documented...I don't know. But personal recounts both heard and recorded in a daily journal indicate that leaving the pastures free and replacing the topsoil completely at least 2 feet of thickness each year for SEVEN years....and then when very clean (proven scrapie free) sheep were placed on these small pastures.... the new sheep also broke out with scrapie and passed it to offspring. I am not sure that TSE contaminated ground could ever be free of the agent!! A very frightening revelation!!!
---end personal email---end...tss
and so it seems…
so, this is what we leave our children and grandchildren?
Rapid recontamination of a farm building occurs after attempted prion removal
First published: 19 January 2019 https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.105054
The data illustrates the difficulty in decontaminating farm buildings from scrapie, and demonstrates the likely contribution of farm dust to the recontamination of these environments to levels that are capable of causing disease.
snip...
This study clearly demonstrates the difficulty in removing scrapie infectivity from the farm environment. Practical and effective prion decontamination methods are still urgently required for decontamination of scrapie infectivity from farms that have had cases of scrapie and this is particularly relevant for scrapie positive goatherds, which currently have limited genetic resistance to scrapie within commercial breeds.24 This is very likely to have parallels with control efforts for CWD in cervids.
***>This is very likely to have parallels with control efforts for CWD in cervids.
Front. Vet. Sci., 14 September 2015 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2015.00032
Objects in contact with classical scrapie sheep act as a reservoir for scrapie transmission
In conclusion, the results in the current study indicate that removal of furniture that had been in contact with scrapie-infected animals should be recommended, particularly since cleaning and decontamination may not effectively remove scrapie infectivity (31), even though infectivity declines considerably if the pasture and the field furniture have not been in contact with scrapie-infected sheep for several months. As sPMCA failed to detect PrPSc in furniture that was subjected to weathering, even though exposure led to infection in sheep, this method may not always be reliable in predicting the risk of scrapie infection through environmental contamination.
"Additionally, we have determined that prion seeding activity is retained for at least fifteen years at a contaminated site following attempted remediation."
15 YEARS!
Detection of prions in soils contaminated by multiple routes
Results: We are able to detect prion seeding activity at multiple types of environmental hotspots, including carcass sites, contaminated captive facilities, and scrapes (i.e. urine and saliva). Differences in relative prion concentration vary depending on the nature and source of the contamination. Additionally, we have determined that prion seeding activity is retained for at least fifteen years at a contaminated site following attempted remediation.
Conclusions: Detection of prions in the environment is of the utmost importance for controlling chronic wasting disease spread. Here, we have demonstrated a viable method for detection of prions in complex environmental matrices. However, it is quite likely that this method underestimates the total infectious prion load in a contaminated sample, due to incomplete recovery of infectious prions. Further refinements are necessary for accurate quantification of prions in such samples, and to account for the intrinsic heterogeneities found in the broader environment.
Funded by: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Prion 2023 Abstracts
SUNDAY, APRIL 06, 2025
Failure to prevent classical scrapie after repeated decontamination of a barn
CWD, So, this is what we leave our children and grandchildren?
Artificial mineral sites that pre-date endemic chronic wasting disease become prion hotspots
The detection of PrPCWD in soils at attractant sites within an endemic CWD zone significantly advances our understanding of environmental PrPCWD accumulation dynamics, providing valuable information for advancing adaptive CWD management approaches.
Chronic wasting disease detection in environmental and biological samples from a taxidermy site
Results: The PMCA analysis demonstrated CWD seeding activity in some of the components of this facility, including insects involved in head processing, soils, and a trash dumpster.
Conclusions: Different areas of this property were used for various taxidermy procedures. We were able to detect the presence of prions in i) soils that were in contact with the heads of dead animals, ii) insects involved in the cleaning of skulls, and iii) an empty dumpster where animal carcasses were previously placed. This is the first report demonstrating that swabbing is a helpful method to screen for prion infectivity on surfaces potentially contaminated with CWD. These findings are relevant as this swabbing and amplification strategy may be used to evaluate the disease status of other free-ranging and captive settings where there is a concern for CWD transmissions, such as at feeders and water troughs with CWD-exposed properties. This approach could have substantial implications for free-ranging cervid surveillance as well as in epidemiological investigations of CWD.
Prion 2022 Conference abstracts: pushing the boundaries
***> Infectious agent of sheep scrapie may persist in the environment for at least 16 years
***> Nine of these recurrences occurred 14–21 years after culling, apparently as the result of environmental contamination, but outside entry could not always be absolutely excluded.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY Volume 87, Issue 12
Infectious agent of sheep scrapie may persist in the environment for at least 16 years Free
Rapid recontamination of a farm building occurs after attempted prion removal
First published: 19 January 2019 https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.105054
The data illustrates the difficulty in decontaminating farm buildings from scrapie, and demonstrates the likely contribution of farm dust to the recontamination of these environments to levels that are capable of causing disease. snip...
This study clearly demonstrates the difficulty in removing scrapie infectivity from the farm environment. Practical and effective prion decontamination methods are still urgently required for decontamination of scrapie infectivity from farms that have had cases of scrapie and this is particularly relevant for scrapie positive goatherds, which currently have limited genetic resistance to scrapie within commercial breeds.24 This is very likely to have parallels with control efforts for CWD in cervids.
***>This is very likely to have parallels with control efforts for CWD in cervids.
Chronic Wasting Disease CWD TSE Prion
THE CWD TSE Prion aka mad cow type disease is not your normal pathogen.
The TSE prion disease survives ashing to 600 degrees celsius, that’s around 1112 degrees farenheit.
you cannot cook the TSE prion disease out of meat.
you can take the ash and mix it with saline and inject that ash into a mouse, and the mouse will go down with TSE.
Prion Infected Meat-and-Bone Meal Is Still Infectious after Biodiesel Production as well.
the TSE prion agent also survives Simulated Wastewater Treatment Processes.
IN fact, you should also know that the TSE Prion agent will survive in the environment for years, if not decades.
you can bury it and it will not go away.
The TSE agent is capable of infected your water table i.e. Detection of protease-resistant cervid prion protein in water from a CWD-endemic area.
it’s not your ordinary pathogen you can just cook it out and be done
New studies on the heat resistance of hamster-adapted scrapie agent: Threshold survival after ashing at 600°C suggests an inorganic template of replication
Prion Infected Meat-and-Bone Meal Is Still Infectious after Biodiesel Production
March 13, 2025
Prion Partitioning and Persistence in Environmental Waters
Prions in Waterways
Detection of protease-resistant cervid prion protein in water from a CWD-endemic area
A Quantitative Assessment of the Amount of Prion Diverted to Category 1 Materials and Wastewater During Processing
Rapid assessment of bovine spongiform encephalopathy prion inactivation by heat treatment in yellow grease produced in the industrial manufacturing process of meat and bone meals
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019
BSE infectivity survives burial for five years with only limited spread
So, this is what we leave our children and grandchildren?
CDC CWD TSE Prion Update 2025
KEY POINTS
Chronic wasting disease affects deer, elk and similar animals in the United States and a few other countries.
The disease hasn't been shown to infect people.
However, it might be a risk to people if they have contact with or eat meat from animals infected with CWD.
Prions in Muscles of Cervids with Chronic Wasting Disease, Norway
Volume 31, Number 2—February 2025
Research
Prions in Muscles of Cervids with Chronic Wasting Disease, Norway
Snip…
In summary, the results of our study indicate that prions are widely distributed in peripheral and edible tissues of cervids in Norway, including muscles. This finding highlights the risk of human exposure to small amounts of prions through handling and consuming infected cervids. Nevertheless, we note that this study did not investigate the zoonotic potential of the Norway CWD prions. In North America, humans have historically consumed meat from CWD-infected animals, which has been documented to harbor prions (35,44–47). Despite the potential exposure to prions, no epidemiologic evidence indicates a correlation between the occurrence of CWD cases in animals and the prevalence of human prion diseases (48). A recent bioassay study reported no transmissions from 3 Nordic isolates into transgenic mice expressing human PrP (49). Therefore, our findings should be interpreted with caution in terms of human health implications, and further research is required to determine the zoonotic potential of these CWD strains.
The presence of prions in peripheral tissues indicates that CWD may have a systemic nature in all Norwegian cervid species, challenging the view that prions are exclusively localized in the CNS in sporadic CWD of moose and red deer. Our findings expand the notion of just how widely distributed prions can be in cervids affected with CWD and call into question the capability of emerging CWD strains in terms of infectivity to other species, including humans.
Appendix
Volume 31, Number 2—February 2025
Dispatch
Detection of Chronic Wasting Disease Prions in Raw, Processed, and Cooked Elk Meat, Texas, USA
Rebeca Benavente, Fraser Brydon, Francisca Bravo-Risi, Paulina Soto, J. Hunter Reed, Mitch Lockwood, Glenn Telling, Marcelo A. Barria, and Rodrigo MoralesComments to Author
Snip…
CWD prions have been detected in the muscle of both farmed and wild deer (10), and at concentrations relevant to sustain disease transmission (11). CWD prions have also been identified across several cervid species and in multiple tissues, including lymph nodes, spleen, tongue, intestines, adrenal gland, eyes, reproductive tissues, ears, lungs, and liver, among others (12–14). Those findings raise concerns about the safety of ingesting processed meats that contain tissues other than skeletal muscle (15) (Appendix). https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/2/24-0906-app1.pdf .
In addition, those findings highlight the need for continued vigilance and research on the transmission risks of prion diseases and for development of new preventative and detection measures to ensure the safety of the human food supply.
Snip…
Overall, our study results confirm previous reports describing the presence of CWD prions in elk muscles (13). The data also demonstrated CWD prion persistence in food products even after processing through different procedures, including the addition of salts, spices, and other edible elements. Of note, our data show that exposure to high temperatures used to cook the meat increased the availability of prions for in vitro amplification. Considering the potential implications in food safety and public health, we believe that the findings described in this study warrant further research. Our results suggest that although the elk meat used in this study resisted different manipulations involved in subsequent consumption by humans, their zoonotic potential was limited. Nevertheless, even though no cases of CWD transmission to human have been reported, the potential for human infection is still unclear and continued monitoring for zoonotic potential is warranted.
Volume 31, Number 1—January 2025
Dispatch
Detection of Prions in Wild Pigs (Sus scrofa) from Areas with Reported Chronic Wasting Disease Cases, United States
Abstract
Using a prion amplification assay, we identified prions in tissues from wild pigs (Sus scrofa) living in areas of the United States with variable chronic wasting disease (CWD) epidemiology. Our findings indicate that scavenging swine could play a role in disseminating CWD and could therefore influence its epidemiology, geographic distribution, and interspecies spread.
Snip…
Conclusions In summary, results from this study showed that wild pigs are exposed to cervid prions, although the pigs seem to display some resistance to infection via natural exposure. Future studies should address the susceptibility of this invasive animal species to the multiple prion strains circulating in the environment. Nonetheless, identification of CWD prions in wild pig tissues indicated the potential for pigs to move prions across the landscape, which may, in turn, influence the epidemiology and geographic spread of CWD.
***> Price of TSE Prion Poker goes up substantially, all you cattle ranchers and such, better pay close attention here...terry <***
Transmission of the chronic wasting disease agent from elk to cattle after oronasal exposure
Justin Greenlee, Jifeng Bian, Zoe Lambert, Alexis Frese, and Eric Cassmann Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, USDA-ARS, Ames, IA, USA
Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the susceptibility of cattle to chronic wasting disease agent from elk.
Materials and Methods: Initial studies were conducted in bovinized mice using inoculum derived from elk with various genotypes at codon 132 (MM, LM, LL). Based upon attack rates, inoculum (10% w/v brain homogenate) from an LM132 elk was selected for transmission studies in cattle. At approximately 2 weeks of age, one wild type steer (EE211) and one steer with the E211K polymorphism (EK211) were fed 1 mL of brain homogenate in a quart of milk replacer while another 1 mL was instilled intranasally. The cattle were examined daily for clinical signs for the duration of the experiment. One steer is still under observation at 71 months post-inoculation (mpi).
Results: Inoculum derived from MM132 elk resulted in similar attack rates and incubation periods in mice expressing wild type or K211 bovine PRNP, 35% at 531 days post inoculation (dpi) and 27% at 448 dpi, respectively. Inoculum from LM132 elk had a slightly higher attack rates in mice: 45% (693 dpi) in wild type cattle PRNP and 33% (468) in K211 mice. Inoculum from LL132 elk resulted in the highest attack rate in wild type bovinized mice (53% at 625 dpi), but no K211 mice were affected at >700 days. At approximately 70 mpi, the EK211 genotype steer developed clinical signs suggestive of prion disease, depression, low head carriage, hypersalivation, and ataxia, and was necropsied. Enzyme immunoassay (IDEXX) was positive in brainstem (OD=4.00, but non-detect in retropharyngeal lymph nodes and palatine tonsil. Immunoreactivity was largely limited to the brainstem, midbrain, and cervical spinal cord with a pattern that was primarily glia-associated.
Conclusions: Cattle with the E211K polymorphism are susceptible to the CWD agent after oronasal exposure of 0.2 g of infectious material.
Funded by: This research was funded in its entirety by congressionally appropriated funds to the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. The funders of the work did not influence study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
*****>>> "Cattle with the E211K polymorphism are susceptible to the CWD agent after oronasal exposure of 0.2 g of infectious material." <<<*****
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Strain characterization of chronic wasting disease in bovine-PrP transgenic mice
Nuria Jerez-Garrido1, Sara Canoyra1, Natalia Fernández-Borges1, Alba Marín Moreno1, Sylvie L. Benestad2, Olivier Andreoletti3, Gordon Mitchell4, Aru Balachandran4, Juan María Torres1 and Juan Carlos Espinosa1. 1 Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal, CISA-INIA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain. 2 Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway. 3 UMR Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)/École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse (ENVT), Interactions Hôtes Agents Pathogènes, Toulouse, France. 4 Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa, Canada.
Aims: Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an infectious prion disease that affects cervids. Various CWD prion strains have been identified in different cervid species from North America and Europe. The properties of the infectious prion strains are influenced by amino acid changes and polymorphisms in the PrP sequences of different cervid species. This study, aimed to assess the ability of a panel of CWD prion isolates from diverse cervid species from North America and Europe to infect bovine species, as well as to investigate the properties of the prion strains following the adaptation to the bovine-PrP context.
Materials and Methods: BoPrP-Tg110 mice overexpressing the bovine-PrP sequence were inoculated by intracranial route with a panel of CWD prion isolates from both North America (two white-tailed deer and two elk) and Europe (one reindeer, one moose and one red deer).
Results: Our results show distinct behaviours in the transmission of the CWD isolates to the BoPrP-Tg110 mouse model. Some of these isolates did not transmit even after the second passage. Those able to transmit displayed differences in terms of attack rate, survival times, biochemical properties of brain PrPres, and histopathology.
Conclusions: Altogether, these results exhibit the diversity of CWD strains present in the panel of CWD isolates and the ability of at least some CWD isolates to infect bovine species. Cattle being one of the most important farming species, this ability represents a potential threat to both animal and human health, and consequently deserves further study.
Funded by: MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and by European Union NextGeneration EU/PRTR
Grant number: PCI2020-120680-2 ICRAD
"Altogether, these results exhibit the diversity of CWD strains present in the panel of CWD isolates and the ability of at least some CWD isolates to infect bovine species. Cattle being one of the most important farming species, this ability represents a potential threat to both animal and human health, and consequently deserves further study."
=====end
so, this is what we leave our children and grandchildren?
Redefining the zoonotic potential of chronic wasting disease
Project Number 5R01NS121016-04
Contact PI/Project Leader SCHATZL, HERMANN M
Other PIs
Awardee Organization
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
Description
Abstract Text
The rapid expansion of chronic wasting disease (CWD), a prion disease of free-ranging and farmed deer, elk and moose, is a major and ongoing threat in North America. Approximately 1 in 36 Americans hunt deer and elk and eat venison, and it is estimated that 7,000 – 15,000 CWD-infected cervids are consumed annually. This fuels growing concerns about the human health risks imposed by CWD. There are no documented cases of CWD transmission to humans, even though with the long incubation periods of all prion diseases and the unknown presentation of CWD in humans definite conclusions are not possible. The zoonotic potential of prion diseases has been exemplified by bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, mad cow disease) which resulted in a new form of human prion disease (vCJD). BSE was transmissible to Cynomolgus macaques and transgenic mice expressing the human prion protein. Initial results of CWD transmission studies to the same non-human primate and mouse models of human prion disease were not successful, corroborating the conclusion that the zoonotic potential of CWD is low, if not absent. Our groups were part of a consortium that inoculated Cynomolgus macaques via different routes with CWD. Some animals exhibited subtle clinical signs reminiscent of prion disease, and upon euthanasia, weak signs of vacuolation, PrPSc deposition and astrocytosis in the brain were found, while no proteinase K (PK) resistant prion protein (PrP) was detectable. We have now demonstrated for the first time that CWD from macaques can transmit clinical prion disease to transgenic mouse models of CWD and human prion disease, albeit in the absence of detectable PK-resistant PrP. Bona fide PrPSc was only detected upon 3rd passage from mouse to bank vole models. Altogether, this is the first evidence that CWD very likely has zoonotic potential. The goal of the current proposal is to redefine the zoonotic potential of CWD by characterizing the biological properties of CWD prions emerging upon experimental transmission into macaques, for obtaining important information on how CWD could manifest in humans.
In Aim 1, we will study whether CWD from macaque (CWDmac) in bank voles represents a new prion strain, by comparing biochemical and biological properties to an array of known prion strains from different species.
Aim 2 addresses the question whether CWDmac represents an intermediate prion strain, adaptable to cervids or humans upon passage, and possessing an expanded host range. We will address this by in vivo passage in cervidized or humanized mouse models. In vitro, we will utilize serial PMCA and a newly generated PrP0/0 cell culture model for infection, upon reconstitution with PrP from different species.
In Aim 3, we will shed light on the observed dissociation between infectivity and the presence of bona fide PrPSc. We propose to identify atypical PrP fragments associated with CWDmac, and we will elucidate brain cell responses to CWDmac exposure by innovative single cell RNA sequencing. In summary, our studies will uncover the possible manifestation of CWD in humans, which is of critical importance for drawing definite conclusions about the zoonotic potential of CWD.
Public Health Relevance Statement
The zoonotic potential of chronic wasting disease (CWD) is unclear to date. We provide the first evidence by transmission experiments to different transgenic mouse models and bank voles that Cynomolgus macaques inoculated via different routes with CWD-positive cervid tissues harbor infectious prions that elicit clinical disease in rodents. Our proposed studies will unravel the properties of these prions, how they will adapt to humans and which pathways are activated in brain cells and associated with clinical disease. Results from these studies uncover the potential manifestation of CWD in humans, which is highly relevant for human health.
Project 3A: CWD Prion Shedding and Environmental Contamination: Role in Transmission and Zoonotic
Parent Project Number 5P01AI077774-14
Sub-Project ID 5512
Contact PI/Project Leader HOOVER, EDWARD ARTHUR
Awardee Organization UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
Description
Abstract Text
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an emergent, highly transmissible, geographically expanding, prion disease of both wild and captive cervids. CWD is unique among prion diseases in its facile contagion and environmental persistence. Its expanding geographical range, combined with the increasing transport of animals and animal products, portend its continued expansion and diversification. The zoonotic potential of CWD remains poorly understood. CWD endemic areas interface cervids with livestock species and humans, posing obvious zoonotic risks that over time will increase. While it is known that strains of CWD exist, nothing is known about the zoonotic potential of these strains. Work from our applicant group has shown that CWD infected cervids continually shed prions into the environment and that previously unrecognized environmental factors can influence the emergence of a dominant strain from a mixture. The ability to recognize the zoonotic potential of CWD strains is central to mitigating CWD transmission risk. The central hypothesis for work described here is that CWD strains evolve continuously due to a combination of both host and environmental factors. We will test this hypothesis by:
i) determining the evolution and zoonotic impact of CWD strains in the native cervid species;
ii) leveraging our unique animal resources, expertise, and in vivo & in vitro methodologies to assess environmental factors that alter CWD strain selection and evolution and
iii) evaluate zoonotic potential of CWD strains by a complementary combination of in vitro amplification assays and animal transmission studies.
The results will provide new information about this emergent transmissible prion disease and the risk it poses to humans and other species.
Project 3B: Pathogenesis Transmission and Detection of Zoonotic Prion Diseases
Parent Project Number 5P01AI077774-14
Sub-Project ID 5513
Contact PI/Project Leader BARTZ, JASON C
Awardee Organization UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
Description Abstract Text
Project Summary: Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an emergent, highly transmissible, geographically expanding, prion disease of both wild and captive cervids. CWD is unique among prion diseases in its facile contagion and environmental persistence. Its expanding geographical range, combined with the increasing transport of animals and animal products, portend its continued expansion and diversification. The zoonotic potential of CWD remains poorly understood. CWD endemic areas interface cervids with livestock species and humans, posing obvious zoonotic risks that over time will increase. While it is known that strains of CWD exist, nothing is known about the zoonotic potential of these strains. Work from our applicant group has shown that CWD- infected cervids continually shed prions into the environment and that previously unrecognized environmental factors can influence the emergence of a dominant strain from a mixture. The ability to recognize the zoonotic potential of CWD strains is central to mitigating CWD transmission risk. The central hypothesis for work described here is that CWD strains evolve continuously due to a combination of both host and environmental factors. We will test this hypothesis by:
i) determining the evolution and zoonotic impact of CWD strains in the native cervid species;
ii) leveraging our unique animal resources, expertise, and in vivo & in vitro methodologies to assess environmental factors that alter CWD strain selection and evolution and
iii) evaluate zoonotic potential of CWD strains by a complementary combination of in vitro amplification assays and animal transmission studies.
The results will provide new information about this emergent transmissible prion disease and the risk it poses to humans and other species.
Project 1: Modeling the Mechanisms of Prion Transmission, Strain Selection, Mutation and Species Barrier in Transgenic Mice
Parent Project Number 5P01AI077774-14
Sub-Project ID 5510
Contact PI/Project Leader TELLING, GLENN C
Awardee Organization UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
Description Abstract Text
Our broad, long-term objectives are to are to decipher the mechanisms by which infectious prions replicate, encode strain information, and evolve to acquire new properties. We propose four Specific Aims to address our central hypothesis that incompletely adapted prion strains are comprised of poorly optimized ensembles of PrPSc quasi species conformers that evolve under selective pressure towards states of enhanced stability and pathogenicity. Our particular focus is chronic wasting disease (CWD), an uncontrollable contagious epidemic of cervids of uncertain zoonotic potential. Using genetically engineered CWD-susceptible mice, cultured cells, cell free amplification, and antibodies recognizing defined conformation-dependent PrP epitopes,
Aim I will address the mechanism of adaptation of unstable emergent CWD prions in response to physical and chemical constraints.
In Aim II we will address the hypothesis that that residue 226 and other cervid PrP polymorphisms influence selection of distinct portfolios of CWD strain conformers with different adaptive potentials. Using gene targeted mice expressing physiologically controlled levels of PrP variants and in vitro systems for prion replication, we will characterize the properties of strains propagated in these backgrounds and explore whether interference between them affects selection and adaptation of CWD.
In Aim III, we will assess the properties of emergent Norwegian moose and reindeer CWD strains experimentally propagated in deer and compare with established North American CWD.
Aim IV will address an unmet need in the field of significant importance, namely the paucity of model systems and tools for studying human prions. Using newly generated gene targeted mice expressing physiological levels of human PrP and novel approaches to derive susceptible human neuroblastoma cells, we will assess the zoonotic potential of emergent CWD strains and their adapted derivatives propagated in different cervid PrP backgrounds. Our ultimate goal is to assess and manage the risk posed to humans from continually evolving prions, specifically those causing CWD, by understanding the means by which they propagate and exist as heritable strains with protean host range properties that adapt and evolve under selective pressure.
Project 2
Parent Project Number 5P01AI077774-14
Sub-Project ID 5511
Contact PI/Project Leader SOTO, CLAUDIO
Awardee Organization UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
Description Abstract Text
ABSTRACT Chronic wasting disease (CWD) affecting various species of cervids in North American and Northern Europe represents a serious problem, because it continues to propagate uncontrollably among wild and captive cervids. CWD appears to be very heterogeneous with multiple different strains and can be transmitted to other animal species. The risk of CWD transmission to humans is unknown which is a major concern because the number of sick animals and their geographical distribution is rapidly increasing. The mechanism by which CWD propagates so efficiently among cervids is also unknown. The main goal of this project is to utilize a set of highly innovative techniques to study the cellular, molecular and structural features of naturally occurring CWD strains and their potential for inter- species transmission, particularly focusing on the possibility that certain CWD strains may infect humans. We will also attempt to elucidate the atomic resolution structure of CWD prions using cryo-electron microscopy. The overarching hypothesis is that CWD exists as multiple strains in distinct individuals and even within the same individual in different brain cells and that inter- species transmission and zoonotic potential depend on the specific strain characteristics. The project is divided in the following specific aims:
(1) Study the structural and molecular diversity of natural CWD strains and the high resolution three-dimensional structure of CWD prions.
(2) Understand CWD prion strain diversity in single brain cells isolated by laser capture microdissection and subsequently amplified by PMCA.
(3) Evaluate CWD inter-species transmission spillover potential and its effect on zoonotic potential.
(4) Analyze the deer-human prion species barrier in vivo using chimeric mice harboring human and cervid neuronal cells.
The studies included in this projects will address some of the most pressing questions regarding CWD, including
(i) the CWD prion strain variability,
(ii) the zoonotic potential of different CWD prion strains,
(iii) the atomic resolution structure of infectious prions and the structural basis of prion strains,
(iv) the cellular distribution of CWD prion strains in the brain and its gene expression consequences,
(v) the spillover potential of CWD to other animal species,
(vi) the potential role of intermediate species in the transmission of CWD prions to humans.
The findings generated in this project will be essential to design measures to prevent further propagation of CWD, and to avoid the emergence of new diseases with potentially disastrous consequences.
18. Zoonotic potential of moose-derived chronic wasting disease prions after adaptation in intermediate species
Tomás Barrioa, Jean-Yves Doueta, Alvina Huora, Séverine Lugana, Naïma Arona, Hervé Cassarda, Sylvie L. Benestadb, Juan Carlos Espinosac, Juan María Torresc, Olivier Andréolettia
aUnité Mixte de Recherche de l’Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement 1225 Interactions Hôtes-Agents Pathogènes, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, 31076 Toulouse, France; bNorwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 64, NO-1431 Ås, Norway; cCentro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), 28130, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
Aims: Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an emerging prion disease in Europe. To date, cases have been reported in three Nordic countries and in several species, including reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), moose (Alces alces) and red deer (Cervus elaphus). Cumulating data suggest that the prion strains responsible for the European cases are distinct from those circulating in North America. The biological properties of CWD prions are still poorly documented, in particular their spillover and zoonotic capacities. In this study, we aimed at characterizing the interspecies transmission potential of Norwegian moose CWD isolates.
Materials and Methods: For that purpose, we performed experimental transmissions in a panel of transgenic models expressing the PrPC sequence of various species.
Results: On first passage, one moose isolate propagated in the ovine PrPC-expressing model (Tg338). After adaptation in this host, moose CWD prions were able to transmit in mice expressing either bovine or human PrPC with high efficacy.
Conclusions: These results suggest that CWD prions can acquire enhanced zoonotic properties following adaptation in an intermediate species.
Funding
Grant number: AAPG2020 EU-CWD, ICRAD2020 TCWDE, NRC2022 NorCWD
Acknowledgement
“ After adaptation in this host, moose CWD prions were able to transmit in mice expressing either bovine or human PrPC with high efficacy.”
regular venison eating associated with a 9 FOLD INCREASE IN RISK OF CJD
Subject: Re: DEER SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY SURVEY & HOUND STUDY
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 23:12:22 +0100
From: Steve Dealler
Reply-To: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Organization: Netscape Online member
To: BSE-L@ …
######## Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy <BSE-L@UNI-KARLSRUHE.DE> #########
Dear Terry,
An excellent piece of review as this literature is desparately difficult to get back from Government sites.
What happened with the deer was that an association between deer meat eating and sporadic CJD was found in about 1993. The evidence was not great but did not disappear after several years of asking CJD cases what they had eaten. I think that the work into deer disease largely stopped because it was not helpful to the UK industry...and no specific cases were reported.
Well, if you dont look adequately like they are in USA currenly then you wont find any!
Steve Dealler
########### http://mailhost.rz.uni-karlsruhe.de/warc/bse-l.html ############
Subject: DEER SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY SURVEY & HOUND STUDY
From: "Terry S. Singeltary Sr." <flounder@WT.NET>
Reply To: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy <BSE-L@UNI-KARLSRUHE.DE>
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 17:04:51 -0700
snip...
''The association between venison eating and risk of CJD shows similar pattern, with regular venison eating associated with a 9 FOLD INCREASE IN RISK OF CJD (p = 0.04).''
CREUTZFELDT JAKOB DISEASE SURVEILLANCE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM THIRD ANNUAL REPORT AUGUST 1994
Consumption of venison and veal was much less widespread among both cases and controls. For both of these meats there was evidence of a trend with increasing frequency of consumption being associated with increasing risk of CJD. (not nvCJD, but sporadic CJD...tss) These associations were largely unchanged when attention was restricted to pairs with data obtained from relatives. ...
Table 9 presents the results of an analysis of these data.
There is STRONG evidence of an association between ‘’regular’’ veal eating and risk of CJD (p = .0.01).
Individuals reported to eat veal on average at least once a year appear to be at 13 TIMES THE RISK of individuals who have never eaten veal.
There is, however, a very wide confidence interval around this estimate. There is no strong evidence that eating veal less than once per year is associated with increased risk of CJD (p = 0.51).
The association between venison eating and risk of CJD shows similar pattern, with regular venison eating associated with a 9 FOLD INCREASE IN RISK OF CJD (p = 0.04).
There is some evidence that risk of CJD INCREASES WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY OF LAMB EATING (p = 0.02).
The evidence for such an association between beef eating and CJD is weaker (p = 0.14). When only controls for whom a relative was interviewed are included, this evidence becomes a little STRONGER (p = 0.08).
snip...
It was found that when veal was included in the model with another exposure, the association between veal and CJD remained statistically significant (p = < 0.05 for all exposures), while the other exposures ceased to be statistically significant (p = > 0.05).
snip...
In conclusion, an analysis of dietary histories revealed statistical associations between various meats/animal products and INCREASED RISK OF CJD. When some account was taken of possible confounding, the association between VEAL EATING AND RISK OF CJD EMERGED AS THE STRONGEST OF THESE ASSOCIATIONS STATISTICALLY. ...
snip...
In the study in the USA, a range of foodstuffs were associated with an increased risk of CJD, including liver consumption which was associated with an apparent SIX-FOLD INCREASE IN THE RISK OF CJD. By comparing the data from 3 studies in relation to this particular dietary factor, the risk of liver consumption became non-significant with an odds ratio of 1.2 (PERSONAL COMMUNICATION, PROFESSOR A. HOFMAN. ERASMUS UNIVERSITY, ROTTERDAM). (???...TSS)
snip...see full report ;
http://web.archive.org/web/20090506050043/http://www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/yb/1994/08/00004001.pdf
http://web.archive.org/web/20090506050007/http://www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/yb/1994/10/00003001.pdf
http://web.archive.org/web/20090506050244/http://www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/yb/1994/07/00001001.pdf
Stephen Dealler is a consultant medical microbiologist deal@airtime.co.uk
BSE Inquiry Steve Dealler
Management In Confidence
BSE: Private Submission of Bovine Brain Dealler
snip...end
########### http://mailhost.rz.uni-karlsruhe.de/warc/bse-l.html ############
BSE INQUIRY
CJD9/10022
October 1994
Mr R.N. Elmhirst Chairman British Deer Farmers Association Holly Lodge Spencers Lane
BerksWell Coventry CV7 7BZ
Dear Mr Elmhirst,
CREUTZFELDT-JAKOB DISEASE (CJD) SURVEILLANCE UNIT REPORT
Thank you for your recent letter concerning the publication of the third annual report from the CJD Surveillance Unit. I am sorry that you are dissatisfied with the way in which this report was published.
The Surveillance Unit is a completely independant outside body and the Department of Health is committed to publishing their reports as soon as they become available. In the circumstances it is not the practice to circulate the report for comment since the findings of the report would not be amended.. In future we can ensure that the British Deer Farmers Association receives a copy of the report in advance of publication.
The Chief Medical Officer has undertaken to keep the public fully informed of the results of any research in respect of CJD. This report was entirely the work of the unit and was produced completely independantly of the the Department.
The statistical results reqarding the consumption of venison was put into perspective in the body of the report and was not mentioned at all in the press release. Media attention regarding this report was low key but gave a realistic presentation of the statistical findings of the Unit. This approach to publication was successful in that consumption of venison was highlighted only once by the media ie. in the News at one television proqramme.
I believe that a further statement about the report, or indeed statistical links between CJD and consumption of venison, would increase, and quite possibly give damaging credence, to the whole issue. From the low key media reports of which I am aware it seems unlikely that venison consumption will suffer adversely, if at all.
http://web.archive.org/web/20030511010117/http://www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/yb/1994/10/00003001.pdf
TSE in wild UK deer? The first case of BSE (as we now realise) was in a nyala in London zoo and the further zoo cases in ungulates were simply thought of as being interesting transmissions of scrapie initially. The big problem started to appear with animals in 1993-5 when it became clear that there was an increase in the CJD cases in people that had eaten deer although the statistics involved must have been questionable. The reason for this was that the CJD Surveillance was well funded to look into the diet of people dying of CJD. This effect is not clear with vCJD...if only because the numbers involved are much smaller and hence it is difficult to gain enough statistics. They found that many other foods did not appear to have much association at all but that deer certainly did and as years went by the association actually became clearer. The appearance of vCJD in 1996 made all this much more difficult in that it was suddenly clearer that the cases of sporadic CJD that they had been checking up until then probably had nothing to do with beef...and the study decreased. During the period there was an increasing worry that deer were involved with CJD..
see references:
DEER BRAIN SURVEY
CONFIDENTIAL AND IN CONFIDENCE TRANSMISSION TO CHIMPANZEES AND PIGS
IN CONFIDENCE
TRANSMISSION TO CHIMPANZEES
Kuru and CJD have been successfully transmitted to chimpanzees but scrapie and TME have not.
We cannot say that scrapie will not transmit to chimpanzees. There are several scrapie strains and I am not aware that all have been tried (that would have to be from mouse passaged material). Nor has a wide enough range of field isolates subsequently strain typed in mice been inoculated by the appropriate routes (i/c, i/p and i/v).
I believe the proposed experiment to determine transmissibility, if conducted, would only show the susceptibility or resistance of the chimpanzee to infection/disease by the routes used and the result could not be interpreted for the predictability of the susceptibility for man. proposals for prolonged oral exposure of chimpanzees to milk from cattle were suggested a long while ago and rejected.
In view of Dr Gibbs' probable use of chimpazees Mr Wells' comments (enclosed) are pertinent. I have yet to receive a direct communication from Dr Schellekers but before any collaboration or provision of material we should identify the Gibbs' proposals and objectives.
A positive result from a chimpanzee challenged severely would likely create alarm in some circles even if the result could not be interpreted for man. I have a view that all these agents could be transmitted provided a large enough dose by appropriate routes was given and the animals kept long enough. Until the mechanisms of the species barrier are more clearly understood it might be best to retain that hypothesis.
A negative result would take a lifetime to determine but that would be a shorter period than might be available for human exposure and it would still not answer the question regarding mans ‘susceptibility. In the meantime no doubt the negativity would be used defensively. It would however be counterproductive if the experiment finally became positive. We may learn more about public reactions following next Monday's meeting.
R Bradley
CVO (+ Mr Wells’ commenters 23 September 1990 Dr T W A Little Dr B J Shreeve
90/9.23/1.1
*** now, let’s see what the authors said about this casual link, personal communications years ago, and then the latest on the zoonotic potential from CWD to humans from the TOKYO PRION 2016 CONFERENCE.
see where it is stated NO STRONG evidence. so, does this mean there IS casual evidence ????
“Our conclusion stating that we found no strong evidence of CWD transmission to humans”
From: TSS Subject: CWD aka MAD DEER/ELK TO HUMANS ???
Date: September 30, 2002 at 7:06 am PST
From: "Belay, Ermias"
To: Cc: "Race, Richard (NIH)" ; ; "Belay, Ermias"
Sent: Monday, September 30, 2002 9:22 AM
Subject: RE: TO CDC AND NIH - PUB MED- 3 MORE DEATHS - CWD - YOUNG HUNTERS
Dear Sir/Madam, In the Archives of Neurology you quoted (the abstract of which was attached to your email), we did not say CWD in humans will present like variant CJD.. That assumption would be wrong. I encourage you to read the whole article and call me if you have questions or need more clarification (phone: 404-639-3091).
Also, we do not claim that "no-one has ever been infected with prion disease from eating venison." Our conclusion stating that we found no strong evidence of CWD transmission to humans in the article you quoted or in any other forum is limited to the patients we investigated.
Ermias Belay, M.D. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2002 10:15 AM
To: rr26k@nih.gov; rrace@niaid.nih.gov; ebb8@CDC.GOV
Subject: TO CDC AND NIH - PUB MED- 3 MORE DEATHS - CWD - YOUNG HUNTERS
Sunday, November 10, 2002 6:26 PM .......snip........end..............TSS
Thursday, April 03, 2008
A prion disease of cervids: Chronic wasting disease 2008 1: Vet Res. 2008 Apr 3;39(4):41 A prion disease of cervids: Chronic wasting disease Sigurdson CJ.
snip... *** twenty-seven CJD patients who regularly consumed venison were reported to the Surveillance Center***,
snip... full text ;
However, to date, no CWD infections have been reported in people.
sporadic, spontaneous CJD, 85%+ of all human TSE, did not just happen. never in scientific literature has this been proven. if one looks up the word sporadic or spontaneous at pubmed, you will get a laundry list of disease that are classified in such a way;
sporadic = 54,983 hits
spontaneous = 325,650 hits
key word here is 'reported'. science has shown that CWD in humans will look like sporadic CJD.
SO, how can one assume that CWD has not already transmitted to humans? they can't, and it's as simple as that. from all recorded science to date, CWD has already transmitted to humans, and it's being misdiagnosed as sporadic CJD. ...terry
*** LOOKING FOR CWD IN HUMANS AS nvCJD or as an ATYPICAL CJD, LOOKING IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES $$$ ***
However, to date, no CWD infections have been reported in people. key word here is ‘reported’. science has shown that CWD in humans will look like sporadic CJD. SO, how can one assume that CWD has not already transmitted to humans? they can’t, and it’s as simple as that. from all recorded science to date, CWD has already transmitted to humans, and it’s being misdiagnosed as sporadic CJD. …terry
*** LOOKING FOR CWD IN HUMANS AS nvCJD or as an ATYPICAL CJD, LOOKING IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES $$$ ***
*** These results would seem to suggest that CWD does indeed have zoonotic potential, at least as judged by the compatibility of CWD prions and their human PrPC target. Furthermore, extrapolation from this simple in vitro assay suggests that if zoonotic CWD occurred, it would most likely effect those of the PRNP codon 129-MM genotype and that the PrPres type would be similar to that found in the most common subtype of sCJD (MM1).***
So, this is what we leave our children and grandchildren?
CDC CWD TSE Prion Update 2025
KEY POINTS
Chronic wasting disease affects deer, elk and similar animals in the United States and a few other countries.
The disease hasn't been shown to infect people.
However, it might be a risk to people if they have contact with or eat meat from animals infected with CWD.
Volume 31, Number 4—April 2025
Research
Detection and Decontamination of Chronic Wasting Disease Prions during Venison Processing
Transmission of Cervid Prions to Humanized Mice Demonstrates the Zoonotic Potential of CWD
Samia Hannaouia, Irina Zemlyankinaa, Sheng Chun Changa, Maria Immaculata Arifina, Vincent Béringueb, Debbie McKenziec, Hermann M. Schatzla, and Sabine Gilcha
Results: Here, we provide the strongest evidence supporting the zoonotic potential of CWD prions, and their possible phenotype in humans. Inoculation of mice expressing human PrPCwith deer CWD isolates (strains Wisc-1 and 116AG) resulted in atypical clinical manifestations in > 75% of the mice, with myoclonus as leading clinical sign. Most of tg650brain homogenates were positive for seeding activity in RT-QuIC. Clinical disease and presentation was transmissible to tg650 mice and bank voles. Intriguingly, protease-resistant PrP in the brain of tg650 mice resembled that found in a familial human prion disease and was transmissible upon passage. Abnormal PrP aggregates upon infection with Wisc-1 were detectable in thalamus, hypothalamus, and midbrain/pons regions.
Unprecedented in human prion disease, feces of CWD-inoculated tg650 mice harbored prion seeding activity and infectious prions, as shown by inoculation of bank voles and tg650 with fecal homogenates.
Conclusions: This is the first evidence that CWD can infect humans and cause disease with a distinctive clinical presentation, signature, and tropism, which might be transmissible between humans while current diagnostic assays might fail to detect it. These findings have major implications for public health and CWD-management.
The finding that infectious PrPSc was shed in fecal material of CWD-infected humanized mice and induced clinical disease, different tropism, and typical three banding pattern-PrPres in bank voles that is transmissible upon second passage is highly concerning for public health. The fact that this biochemical signature in bank voles resembles that of the Wisc-1 original deer isolate and is different from that of bvWisc-1, in the migration profile and the glyco-form-ratio, is valid evidence that these results are not a product of contamination in our study. If CWD in humans is found to be contagious and transmissible among humans, as it is in cervids [57], the spread of the disease within humans might become endemic.
Transmission of cervid prions to humanized mice demonstrates the zoonotic potential of CWD
Acta Neuropathol 144, 767–784 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00401-022-02482-9
Published
22 August 2022
Fortuitous generation of a zoonotic cervid prion strain
Aims: Whether CWD prions can infect humans remains unclear despite the very substantial scale and long history of human exposure of CWD in many states or provinces of USA and Canada. Multiple in vitro conversion experiments and in vivo animal studies indicate that the CWD-to-human transmission barrier is not unbreakable. A major long-term public health concern on CWD zoonosis is the emergence of highly zoonotic CWD strains. We aim to address the question of whether highly zoonotic CWD strains are possible.
Materials and Methods: We inoculated several sCJD brain samples into cervidized transgenic mice (Tg12), which were intended as negative controls for bioassays of brain tissues from sCJD cases who had potentially been exposed to CWD. Some of the Tg12 mice became infected and their brain tissues were further examined by Western blot as well as serial passages in humanized or cervidized mice.
Results: Passage of sCJDMM1 in transgenic mice expressing elk PrP (Tg12) resulted in a “cervidized” CJD strain that we termed CJDElkPrP. We observed 100% transmission of the original CJDElkPrP in transgenic mice expressing human PrP. We passaged CJDElkPrP two more times in the Tg12 mice. We found that such second and third passage CJDElkPrP prions retained 100% transmission rate in the humanized mice, despite that the natural elk CWD isolates and CJDElkPrP share the same elk PrP sequence. In contrast, we and others found zero or poor transmission of natural elk CWD isolates in humanized mice.
Conclusions: Our data indicate that highly zoonotic cervid prion strains are not only possible but also can retain zoonotic potential after serial passages in cervids, suggesting a very significant and serious long-term risk of CWD zoonosis given that the broad and continuing spread of CWD prions will provide fertile grounds for the emergence of zoonotic CWD strains over time.
The finding that infectious PrPSc was shed in fecal material of CWD-infected humanized mice and induced clinical disease, different tropism, and typical three banding pattern-PrPres in bank voles that is transmissible upon second passage is highly concerning for public health. The fact that this biochemical signature in bank voles resembles that of the Wisc-1 original deer isolate and is different from that of bvWisc-1, in the migration profile and the glyco-form-ratio, is valid evidence that these results are not a product of contamination in our study. If CWD in humans is found to be contagious and transmissible among humans, as it is in cervids [57], the spread of the disease within humans might become endemic.
Transmission of cervid prions to humanized mice demonstrates the zoonotic potential of CWD
Acta Neuropathol 144, 767–784 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00401-022-02482-9
Published
22 August 2022
Transmission of cervid prions to humanized mice demonstrates the zoonotic potential of CWD
Samia Hannaoui1 · Irina Zemlyankina1 · Sheng Chun Chang1 · Maria Immaculata Arifn1 · Vincent Béringue2 · Debbie McKenzie3 · Hermann M. Schatzl1 · Sabine Gilch1
Received: 24 May 2022 / Revised: 5 August 2022 / Accepted: 7 August 2022
© The Author(s) 2022
Abstract
Prions cause infectious and fatal neurodegenerative diseases in mammals. Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a prion disease of cervids, spreads efficiently among wild and farmed animals. Potential transmission to humans of CWD is a growing concern due to its increasing prevalence. Here, we provide evidence for a zoonotic potential of CWD prions, and its probable signature using mice expressing human prion protein (PrP) as an infection model. Inoculation of these mice with deer CWD isolates resulted in atypical clinical manifestation with prion seeding activity and efficient transmissible infectivity in the brain and, remarkably, in feces, but without classical neuropathological or Western blot appearances of prion diseases. Intriguingly, the protease-resistant PrP in the brain resembled that found in a familial human prion disease and was transmissible upon second passage. Our results suggest that CWD might infect humans, although the transmission barrier is likely higher compared to zoonotic transmission of cattle prions. Notably, our data suggest a different clinical presentation, prion signature, and tissue tropism, which causes challenges for detection by current diagnostic assays. Furthermore, the presence of infectious prions in feces is concerning because if this occurs in humans, it is a source for human-to-human transmission. These findings have strong implications for public health and CWD management.
Keywords Chronic wasting disease · CWD · Zoonotic potential · Prion strains · Zoonotic prions
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS STUDY
================================
Our results suggest that CWD might infect humans, although the transmission barrier is likely higher compared to zoonotic transmission of cattle prions. Notably, our data suggest a different clinical presentation, prion signature, and tissue tropism, which causes challenges for detection by current diagnostic assays. Furthermore, the presence of infectious prions in feces is concerning because if this occurs in humans, it is a source for human-to-human transmission. These findings have strong implications for public health and CWD management.
In this study, we evaluated the zoonotic potential of CWD using a transgenic mouse model overexpressing human M129-PrPC (tg650 [12]). We inoculated tg650 mice intracerebrally with two deer CWD isolates, Wisc-1 and 116AG [22, 23, 27, 29]. We demonstrate that this transgenic line was susceptible to infection with CWD prions and displayed a distinct leading clinical sign, an atypical PrPSc signature and unusual fecal shedding of infectious prions. Importantly, these prions generated by the human PrP transgenic mice were transmissible upon passage. Our results are the first evidence of a zoonotic risk of CWD when using one of the most common CWD strains, Wisc-1/CWD1 for infection. We demonstrated in a human transgenic mouse model that the species barrier for transmission of CWD to humans is not absolute. The fact that its signature was not typical raises the questions whether CWD would manifest in humans as a subclinical infection, whether it would arise through direct or indirect transmission including an intermediate host, or a silent to uncovered human-to-human transmission, and whether current detection techniques will be suffcient to unveil its presence.
Our findings strongly suggest that CWD should be regarded as an actual public health risk. Here, we use humanized mice to show that CWD prions can cross the species barrier to humans, and remarkably, infectious prions can be excreted in feces.
Our results indicate that if CWD crosses the species-barrier to humans, it is unlikely to resemble the most common forms of human prion diseases with respect to clinical signs, tissue tropism and PrPSc signature. For instance, PrPSc in variable protease-sensitive prionopathy (VPSPr), a sporadic form of human prion disease, and in the genetic form Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS) is defined by an atypical PK-resistant PrPSc fragment that is non-glycosylated and truncated at both C- and N-termini, with a molecular weight between 6 and 8 kDa [24, 44–46]. These biochemical features are unique and distinctive from PrPSc (PrP27-30) found in most other human or animal prion disease. The atypical PrPSc signature detected in brain homogenate of tg650 mice #321 (1st passage) and #3063 (2nd passage), and the 7–8 kDa fragment (Figs. 2, 4) are very similar to that of GSS, both in terms of migration profile and the N-terminal cleavage site.
CWD in humans might remain subclinical but with PrPSc deposits in the brain with an unusual morphology that does not resemble the patterns usually seen in different prion diseases (e.g., mouse #328; Fig. 3), clinical with untraceable abnormal PrP (e.g., mouse #327) but still transmissible and uncovered upon subsequent passage (e.g., mouse #3063; Fig. 4), or prions have other reservoirs than the usual ones, hence the presence of infectivity in feces (e.g., mouse #327) suggesting a potential for human-to-human transmission and a real iatrogenic risk that might be unrecognizable.
“suggesting a potential for human-to-human transmission and a real iatrogenic risk that might be unrecognizable.”
=================================
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at
snip...see full text;
EFSA Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) Antonia Ricci Ana Allende Declan Bolton Marianne Chemaly Robert Davies Pablo Salvador Fernández Escámez ...
First published: 17 January 2018 https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5132
also, see;
8. Even though human TSE‐exposure risk through consumption of game from European cervids can be assumed to be minor, if at all existing, no final conclusion can be drawn due to the overall lack of scientific data.
***> In particular the US data do not clearly exclude the possibility of human (sporadic or familial) TSE development due to consumption of venison.
The Working Group thus recognizes a potential risk to consumers if a TSE would be present in European cervids. It might be prudent considering appropriate measures to reduce such a risk, e.g. excluding tissues such as CNS and lymphoid tissues from the human food chain, which would greatly reduce any potential risk for consumers.. However, it is stressed that currently, no data regarding a risk of TSE infections from cervid products are available.
2004
Jeff Swann and his Mom, cwd link... sporadic CJD?, CBC NEWS Jeff Schwan sCJD, CWD, and Professor Aguzzi on BSE and sporadic CJD
????: CBCnews
2004
April 22, 2004, 10:30 AM CDT Guests: Patrick Singh, Terry Schwan, Janet Skarbek, Bill Fielding (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) ANNOUNCER: DEBORAH NORVILLE TONIGHT.
1997-11-10: Panorama - The British disease
TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021
A Unique Presentation of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in a Patient Consuming Deer Antler Velvet <
Conclusion
We believe that our patient’s case of CJD is highly suspicious for cervid etiology given the circumstances of the case as well as the strong evidence of plausibility reported in published literature. This is the first known case of CJD in a patient who had consumed deer antler velvet. Despite the confirmed diagnosis of CJD, a causal relationship between the patient’s disease and his consumption of deer antler velvet cannot be definitively concluded.
Supplemental data including molecular tissue sample analysis and autopsy findings could yield further supporting evidence. Given this patient’s clinical resemblance to CBD and the known histological similarities of CBD with CJD, clinicians should consider both diseases in the differential diagnosis of patients with a similarly esoteric presentation. Regardless of the origin of this patient’s disease, it is clear that the potential for prion transmission from cervids to humans should be further investigated by the academic community with considerable urgency.
''We believe that our patient’s case of CJD is highly suspicious for cervid etiology given the circumstances of the case as well as the strong evidence of plausibility reported in published literature. This is the first known case of CJD in a patient who had consumed deer antler velvet. Despite the confirmed diagnosis of CJD, a causal relationship between the patient’s disease and his consumption of deer antler velvet cannot be definitively concluded.''
CREUTZFELDT JAKOB DISEASE: A Unique Presentation of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in a Patient Consuming Deer Antler Velvet
i was warning England and the BSE Inquiry about just this, way back in 1998, and was ask to supply information to the BSE Inquiry. for anyone that might be interested, see;
Singeltary submission to the BSE Inquiry on CJD and Nutritional Supplements 1998
ABOUT that deer antler spray and CWD TSE PRION... I have been screaming this since my neighbors mom died from cjd, and she had been taking a supplement that contained bovine brain, bovine eyeball, and other SRMs specified risk materials, the most high risk for mad cow disease. just saying...
I made a submission to the BSE Inquiry long ago during the BSE Inquiry days, and they seemed pretty interested.
Sender: "Patricia Cantos"
To: "Terry S Singeltary Sr. (E-mail)"
Subject: Your submission to the Inquiry
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 10:10:05 +0100 3 July 1998
Mr Terry S Singeltary Sr. E-Mail: Flounder at wt.net Ref: E2979
Dear Mr Singeltary, Thank you for your E-mail message of the 30th of June 1998 providing the Inquiry with your further comments. Thank you for offering to provide the Inquiry with any test results on the nutritional supplements your mother was taking before she died. As requested I am sending you our general Information Pack and a copy of the Chairman's letter. Please contact me if your system cannot read the attachments. Regarding your question, the Inquiry is looking into many aspects of the scientific evidence on BSE and nvCJD.
I would refer you to the transcripts of evidence we have already heard which are found on our internet site at ;
http://www.bse.org.uk.
Could you please provide the Inquiry with a copy of the press article you refer to in your e-mail? If not an approximate date for the article so that we can locate it? In the meantime, thank you for you comments. Please do not hesitate to contact me on... snip...end...tss
everyone I tell this too gets it screwed up...MY MOTHER WAS NOT TAKING THOSE SUPPLEMENTS IPLEX (that I ever knew of). this was my neighbors mother that died exactly one year previously and to the day of sporadic CJD that was diagnosed as Alzheimer’s at first. my mother died exactly a year later from the Heidenhain Variant of Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease hvCJD, and exceedingly rare strains of the ever growing sporadic CJD’s. both cases confirmed. ...
kind regards, terry
TSEs i.e. mad cow disease's BSE/BASE and NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS IPLEX, mad by standard process; vacuum dried bovine BRAIN, bone meal, bovine EYE, veal Bone, bovine liver powder, bovine adrenal, vacuum dried bovine kidney, and vacuum dried porcine stomach. also; what about potential mad cow candy bars ? see their potential mad cow candy bar list too... THESE are just a few of MANY of just this ONE COMPANY...TSS
Two Hunters from the Same Lodge Afflicted with Sporadic CJD: Is Chronic Wasting Disease to Blame?
(P7-13.002) Jonathan Trout, Matthew Roberts, Michel Tabet, Eithan Kotkowski, and Sarah HornAUTHORS INFO & AFFILIATIONS April 9, 2024 issue 102 (17_supplement_1) https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000204407
Abstract Publication History Information & Authors Metrics & Citations Share Abstract
Objective:
This study presents a cluster of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) cases after exposure to chronic wasting disease (CWD)-infected deer, suggestive of potential prion transmission from CWD-infected deer to humans.
Background:
CJD is a rapidly progressive central nervous system disorder caused by misfolded prion proteins. CWD, a prion disease prevalent in North American deer, has raised concerns due to its possible link to CJD. Although no conclusive evidence of cross-species prion transmission exists, vigilance for such cases is crucial for public health.
Design/Methods:
Not applicable.
Results:
In 2022, a 72-year-old man with a history of consuming meat from a CWD-infected deer population presented with rapid-onset confusion and aggression. His friend, who had also eaten venison from the same deer population, recently died of CJD, raising concerns about a potential link between CWD and human prion disease. Despite aggressive symptomatic treatment of seizures and agitation, the patient’s condition deteriorated and he died within a month of initial presentation. The diagnosis was confirmed postmortem as sporadic CJD with homozygous methionine at codon 129 (sCJDMM1). The patient’s history, including a similar case in his social group, suggests a possible novel animal-to-human transmission of CWD. Based on non-human primate and mouse models, cross-species transmission of CJD is plausible. Due to the challenge of distinguishing sCJDMM1 from CWD without detailed prion protein characterization, it is not possible to definitively rule out CWD in these cases. Although causation remains unproven, this cluster emphasizes the need for further investigation into the potential risks of consuming CWD-infected deer and its implications for public health.
Conclusions:
Clusters of sporadic CJD cases may occur in regions with CWD-confirmed deer populations, hinting at potential cross-species prion transmission. Surveillance and further research are essential to better understand this possible association.
Disclosure: Mr. Trout has nothing to disclose. Dr. Roberts has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tabet has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kotkowski has nothing to disclose. Dr. Horn has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Cala Trio. The institution of Dr. Horn has received research support from Alzheimer's Association.
***> Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease CJD TSE Prion Cases Increasing March 2025
***> Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease CJD, BSE, CWD, TSE, Prion, December 14, 2024 Annual Update
Iatrogenic Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy TSE Prion, CWD, our worst nightmare, what if?
So, this is what we leave our children and grandchildren?
THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025
***> Redefining the zoonotic potential of chronic wasting disease Singeltary Review
TUESDAY, JULY 08, 2025
Addressing chronic wasting disease in Korean farms: topsoil removal and 2N NaOH treatment before cervid restocking
THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2025
Distribution of chronic wasting disease (CWD) prions in tissues from experimentally exposed coyotes (Canis latrans) Published: July 9, 2025
THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2025
Modelling the effect of genotype (PRNP) linked to susceptibility, infection duration and prion shedding on chronic wasting disease dynamics of cervids
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2025
Texas CWD TSE Prion Cases Rises to 1099 Confirmed Cases To Date
FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2025
Trucking CWD TSE Prion
“CWD spreads among wild populations at a relatively slow rate, limited by the natural home range and dispersed nature of wild animals.”
NOW HOLD YOUR HORSES, Chronic Wasting Disease CWD of Cervid can spread rather swiftly, traveling around 50 MPH, from the back of truck and trailer, and Here in Texas, we call it ‘Trucking CWD’…
SUNDAY, MAY 04, 2025
Texas Senate Bill 2649 creation of a statewide Chronic Wasting Disease plan
SUNDAY, MAY 04, 2025
Texas Senate Bill 2651 establishment of a pilot program to breed deer resistant to CWD TSE Prion, what could go wrong?
Texas S.B. 2843 Directs TPWD to conduct a comprehensive study of current measures to control chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer
Trying to legislate CWD is what got Texas in this CWD mess to begin with, how did that work out$$$ Legislators and Politicians need to stay away and let TPWD and TAHC et try and contain this mess that Legislators and Politicians got us in, called CWD TSE Prion…terry
Friday, February 21, 2025
Deer don’t die from CWD, it’s the insurance companies, or it's a Government conspiracy?
Friday, February 21, 2025
CWD, BAITING, AND MINERAL LICKS, WHAT IF?
SUNDAY, MAY 05, 2024
Chronic Wasting Disease, Cervid Captive Herd CWD Infection rates, Zoonosis, and Environmental Risk Factors
Texas Game Wardens Bust Illegal Deer Operations Across the State Feb. 27, 2025
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025
TEXAS ANIMAL HEALTH COMMISSION 423rd Commission Meeting CWD Update February 25, 2025
CWD Status Captive Herds
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025
***> US Captive CWD Positive Herds Update April 2025
Good Luck, I hope you found this information useful!
Warmest Regards, terry
posted by Terry S. Singeltary Sr. at
3:19 PM
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