Louisiana Chronic Wasting Disease CWD TSE Prion Update January 16 2025
Louisiana Chronic Wasting Disease CWD TSE Prion Update January 16 2025
2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 Total - all yearsTensas (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
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/status-of-captive-herds.pdf
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
https://www.doa.la.gov/media/dw0asdgl/76.pdf#page85
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.
https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/agents-cite-jonesville-man-for-violating-cwd-regulations-in-catahoula-parish
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
https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/expanding-distribution-chronic-wasting-disease.
###
https://www.ldaf.la.gov/about/news/article/chronic-wasting-disease-update
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
https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/expanding-distribution-chronic-wasting-disease.
_______________________________________________
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
https://www.ldaf.la.gov/about/news/article/chronic-wasting-disease-found-in-farm-raised-white-tailed-deer-in-jefferson
https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/louisiana-department-of-agriculture-and-forestry-confirms-cwd-found-in-farmraised-whitetailed-deer-in-jefferson-davis-parish
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.
https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/agents-cite-jonesville-man-for-violating-cwd-regulations-in-catahoula-parish
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)
............................................................................................................................. 1791
snip…
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.
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
https://www.doa.la.gov/media/ofwhprvk/2412.pdf
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
https://www.doa.louisiana.gov/media/1zrp1pak/2210emr005.pdf
Louisiana Men Convicted of Conspiracy to Unlawfully Transport Live White-Tailed Deer from Louisiana to Mississippi
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
https://www.doa.la.gov/media/ofwhprvk/2412.pdf
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. …
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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.
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Enrolled Herds—a herd that has enrolled in a Herd Certification Program and met the minimum requirements defined in 9 CFR part 55.
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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.
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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
https://www.doa.louisiana.gov/media/1zrp1pak/2210emr005.pdf
Louisiana Men Convicted of Conspiracy to Unlawfully Transport Live White-Tailed Deer from Louisiana to Mississippi
Thursday, January 25, 2024
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
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.
https://www.justice.gov/enrd/blog/environmental-crimes-bulletin-april-2024-week-4
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
https://www.justice.gov/enrd/blog/environmental-crimes-bulletin-january-2024-week-3
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
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/two-louisiana-men-sentenced-smuggling-live-white-tailed-deer-mississippi
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
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.
https://www.justice.gov/enrd/blog/environmental-crimes-bulletin-april-2024-week-4
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
https://www.justice.gov/enrd/blog/environmental-crimes-bulletin-january-2024-week-3
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
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/two-louisiana-men-sentenced-smuggling-live-white-tailed-deer-mississippi
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
Three Louisiana Residents Sentenced For Federal Lacey Act Violations
Thursday, October 30, 2014
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
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/three-louisiana-residents-sentenced-federal-lacey-act-violations
CDC Journal ahead print into 2025 CWD not looking good
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
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/1/24-0401_article
Prions in Muscles of Cervids with Chronic Wasting Disease, Norway T. T. Vuong et al.
Detection of Chronic Wasting Disease Prions in Raw, Processed, and Cooked Elk Meat, Texas, USA R. Benavente et al.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/early-release#issue-269
Volume 31, Number 2—February 2025
Research
Prions in Muscles of Cervids with Chronic Wasting Disease, Norway
Abstract
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an emerging prion disease in Nordic countries and has been detected in reindeer, moose, and red deer since 2016. CWD sporadically detected in moose and red deer in 3 Nordic countries demonstrated pathologic and strain characteristics different from CWD in reindeer, including an unexpected lack of prions outside the central nervous system as measured by standard diagnostic tests. Using protein misfolding cyclic amplification, we detected prions in the lymphoreticular system of moose and red deer with CWD in Norway and, remarkably, in muscles of both of those species and in CWD-infected reindeer. One moose lymph node and 1 moose muscle sample showed infectivity when experimentally transmitted to bank voles. Our findings highlight the systemic nature of CWD strains in Europe and raise questions regarding the risk of human exposure through edible tissues.
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.
Top
Dr. Vuong is a research scientist at Norwegian Veterinary Institute in Ås, Norway. Her research interests are the pathogenesis of chronic wasting disease and the development of biochemical techniques to detect prions.
Appendix
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/2/24-0903-app1.pdf
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/2/24-0903_article
DETECTION OF CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE PRIONS IN PROCESSED MEATS.
Abstract
The zoonotic potential of chronic wasting disease (CWD) remains unknown. Currently, there are no known natural cases of CWD transmission to humans but increasing evidence suggests that the host range of CWD is not confined only to cervid species. Alarmingly, recent experimental evidence suggests that certain CWD isolates can induce disease in non-human primates. While the CDC strongly recommends determining CWD status in animals prior to consumption, this practice is voluntary. Consequently, it is plausible that a proportion of the cervid meat entering the human food chain may be contaminated with CWD. Of additional concern is that traditional diagnostic techniques used to detect CWD have relatively low sensitivity and are only approved for use in tissues other than those typically ingested by humans. In this study, we analyzed different processed meats derived from a pre-clinical, CWD-positive free-ranging elk. Products tested included filets, sausages, boneless steaks, burgers, ham steaks, seasoned chili meats, and spiced meats. CWD-prion presence in these products were assessed by PMCA using deer and elk substrates. Our results show positive prion detection in all products. To confirm the resilience of CWD-prions to traditional cooking methods, we grilled and boiled the meat products and evaluated them for any remnant PMCA seeding activity. Results confirmed the presence of CWD-prions in these meat products suggesting that infectious particles may still be available to people even after cooking. Our results strongly suggest ongoing human exposure to CWD-prions and raise significant concerns of zoonotic transmission through ingestion of CWD contaminated meat products.
***> Products tested included filets, sausages, boneless steaks, burgers, ham steaks, seasoned chili meats, and spiced meats.
***> CWD-prion presence in these products were assessed by PMCA using deer and elk substrates.
***> Our results show positive prion detection in all products.
***> Results confirmed the presence of CWD-prions in these meat products suggesting that infectious particles may still be available to people even after cooking.
***> Our results strongly suggest ongoing human exposure to CWD-prions and raise significant concerns of zoonotic transmission through ingestion of CWD contaminated meat products.
https://intcwdsympo.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/final-agenda-with-abstracts.pdf?force_download=true
The detection and decontamination of chronic wasting disease prions during venison processing
Marissa S. Milstein1,2, Marc D. Schwabenlander1,2, Sarah C. Gresch1,2, Manci Li1,2, Stuart Lichtenberg1,2, Rachel Shoemaker1,2, Gage R. Rowden1,2, Jason C. Bartz2,3 , Tiffany M. Wolf2,4, Peter A. Larsen1,2
Presenting author: Tiffany M. Wolf 1 Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA 2 Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA 3 Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA 4 Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Aims: There is a growing concern that chronic wasting disease (CWD) prions in venison pose a risk to human health. CWD prions accumulate in infected deer tissues that commonly enter the human food chain through meat processing and consumption. The United States (US) Food and Drug Administration and US Department of Agriculture now formally consider CWD-positive venison unfit for human and animal consumption. Yet, the degree to which prion contamination occurs during routine venison processing is unknown. Here, we use environmental surface swab methods to: a) experimentally test meat processing equipment (i.e., stainless steel knives and polyethylene cutting boards) before and after processing CWD-positive venison and b) test the efficacy of five different disinfectant types (i.e., Dawn dish soap, Virkon-S, Briotech, 10% bleach, and 40% bleach) to determine prion decontamination efficacy.
Materials and Methods: We used a real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay to determine CWD infection status of venison and to detect CWD prions in the swabs. We collected three swabs per surface and ran eight technical replicates on RT-QuIC.
Results: CWD prions were detected on all cutting boards (n= 3; replicates= 8/8, 8/8, 8/8 and knives (n= 3; replicates= 8/8, 8/8, 8/8) used in processing CWD-positive venison, but not on those used for CWD-negative venison. After processing CWD-positive venison, allowing the surfaces to dry, and washing the cutting board with Dawn dish soap, we detected CWD prions on the cutting board surface (n= 3; replicates= 8/8, 8/8, 8/8) but not on the knife (n= 3, replicates = 0/8, 0/8, 0/8). Similar patterns were observed with Briotech (cutting board: n= 3; replicates= 7/8, 1/8, 0/8; knife: n= 3; replicates = 0/8, 0/8, 0/8). We did not detect CWD prions on the knives or cutting boards after disinfecting with Virkon-S, 10% bleach, and 40% bleach.
Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that Dawn dish soap and Briotech do not reliably decontaminate CWD prions from these surfaces. Our data suggest that Virkon-S and various bleach concentrations are more effective in reducing prion contamination of meat processing surfaces; however, surface type may also influence the ability of prions to adsorb to surfaces, preventing complete decontamination. Our results will directly inform best practices to prevent the introduction of CWD prions into the human food chain during venison processing.
Acknowledgement: Funding was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), the Rapid Agriculture Response Fund (#95385/RR257), and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Theme: Animal prion diseases
=====end
Prion 2023 Abstracts
https://prion2023.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Meeting-book-final-version2.pdf
Prions in Muscles of Cervids with Chronic Wasting Disease, Norway Volume 31, Number 2—February 2025 Research
https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2025/01/prions-in-muscles-of-cervids-with.html
CDC, About Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
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.
https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-wasting/about/index.html
APHIS USDA CWD Status Of Captive Herds Updated December 2024
CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CASES
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/status-of-captive-herds.pdf
These “Quarantined” CWD Positive Herds, could be the bane of existence for Cervid, the Environment, and who knows what else, imo… all the while those CWD positive deer are quarantined and left in pastures, that land further gets saturated wit the CWD TSE PrP, the Environment becomes saturated, and you further risk the possibility of other species coming into contact with the CWD infected Cervid…
Long term environmental factors for Cwd tse prion
For what it's worth, Back around 2000, 2001, or so, I was corresponding with officials abroad during the bse inquiry, passing info back and forth on CJD and Nutritional Supplements and BSE here in the USA, and some officials from here inside USDA aphis FSIS et al, in fact helped me get into the USA 50 state emergency BSE conference call way back. That one was a doozy. But I always remember what “deep throat” as i called them, I never knew who they were, but I never forgot what i was told decades ago, amongst them was ;
Some unofficial information from a source on the inside looking out -
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?..
"Additionally, we have determined that prion seeding activity is retained for at least fifteen years at a contaminated site following attempted remediation."
Detection of prions in soils contaminated by multiple routes
Aims: Free-ranging animals afflicted with transmissible spongiform encephalopathies frequently shed infectious prions into the broader environment. The quintessential example is chronic wasting disease, the TSE of cervids. Over the course of the disease, an infected animal will shed infectious prions in blood, urine, saliva, and feces. Upon death, the total prion load interred in the animal’s tissues will be deposited wherever the animal falls. This contamination creates substantial risk to naïve animals, and likely contributes to disease spread. Identification and quantification of prions at contamination hotspots is essential for any attempt at mitigation of environmental transmission.
Materials and Methods: Surfactant extraction of soils followed by precipitation yields a sample that is amenable to analysis by real-time quaking induced conversion. However, differences in extraction yield are apparent depending on the properties of the matrix from which the prions are being extracted, principally soil clay content.
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
=====end
Prion 2023 Abstracts
https://prion2023.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Meeting-book-final-version2.pdf
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.
https://int-cwd-sympo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/final-agenda-with-abstracts.pdf
9 Carrot plants as potential vectors for CWD transmission.
We show that edible plant components can absorb prions from CWD-contaminated soils and transport them to their aerial parts.
Our results indicate that edible plants could participate as vectors of CWD transmission
https://intcwdsympo.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/final-agenda-with-abstracts.pdf?force_download=true
***> 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
https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/jgv/10.1099/vir.0.82011-0
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.
https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1136/vr.105054
***>This is very likely to have parallels with control efforts for CWD in cervids.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30602491/
CDC Journal ahead print into 2025 CWD not looking good
Prions in Muscles of Cervids with Chronic Wasting Disease, Norway T. T. Vuong et al.
Detection of Chronic Wasting Disease Prions in Raw, Processed, and Cooked Elk Meat, Texas, USA R. Benavente et al.
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
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/early-release#issue-269
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/1/24-0401_article
CDC, About Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
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.
https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-wasting/about/index.html
Transmission of prion infectivity from CWD-infected macaque tissues to rodent models demonstrates the zoonotic potential of chronic wasting disease.
Further passage to cervidized mice revealed transmission with a 100% attack rate.
Our findings demonstrate that macaques, considered the best model for the zoonotic potential of prions, were infected upon CWD challenge, including the oral one.
The disease manifested as atypical in macaques and initial transgenic mouse transmissions, but with infectivity present at all times, as unveiled in the bank vole model with an unusual tissue tropism.
Epidemiologic surveillance of prion disease among cervid hunters and people likely to have consumed venison contaminated with chronic wasting disease
DETECTION OF CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE PRIONS IN PROCESSED MEATS.
Abstract
The zoonotic potential of chronic wasting disease (CWD) remains unknown. Currently, there are no known natural cases of CWD transmission to humans but increasing evidence suggests that the host range of CWD is not confined only to cervid species. Alarmingly, recent experimental evidence suggests that certain CWD isolates can induce disease in non-human primates. While the CDC strongly recommends determining CWD status in animals prior to consumption, this practice is voluntary. Consequently, it is plausible that a proportion of the cervid meat entering the human food chain may be contaminated with CWD. Of additional concern is that traditional diagnostic techniques used to detect CWD have relatively low sensitivity and are only approved for use in tissues other than those typically ingested by humans. In this study, we analyzed different processed meats derived from a pre-clinical, CWD-positive free-ranging elk. Products tested included filets, sausages, boneless steaks, burgers, ham steaks, seasoned chili meats, and spiced meats. CWD-prion presence in these products were assessed by PMCA using deer and elk substrates. Our results show positive prion detection in all products. To confirm the resilience of CWD-prions to traditional cooking methods, we grilled and boiled the meat products and evaluated them for any remnant PMCA seeding activity. Results confirmed the presence of CWD-prions in these meat products suggesting that infectious particles may still be available to people even after cooking. Our results strongly suggest ongoing human exposure to CWD-prions and raise significant concerns of zoonotic transmission through ingestion of CWD contaminated meat products.
***> Products tested included filets, sausages, boneless steaks, burgers, ham steaks, seasoned chili meats, and spiced meats.
***> CWD-prion presence in these products were assessed by PMCA using deer and elk substrates.
***> Our results show positive prion detection in all products.
***> Results confirmed the presence of CWD-prions in these meat products suggesting that infectious particles may still be available to people even after cooking.
***> Our results strongly suggest ongoing human exposure to CWD-prions and raise significant concerns of zoonotic transmission through ingestion of CWD contaminated meat products.
=====
9 Carrot plants as potential vectors for CWD transmission.
We show that edible plant components can absorb prions from CWD-contaminated soils and transport them to their aerial parts.
Our results indicate that edible plants could participate as vectors of CWD transmission
https://intcwdsympo.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/final-agenda-with-abstracts.pdf?force_download=true
Transmission of cervid prions to humanized mice demonstrates the zoonotic potential of CWD
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.
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.
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.
***> 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
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00401-022-02482-9
snip...see full text
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00401-022-02482-9
2019
-----Original Message----- From: Terry S. Singeltary Sr. <flounder9@verizon.net> To: Terry Singeltary <flounder9@verizon.net> Sent: Fri, Dec 6, 2019 2:36 pm
Subject: Feral hogs and cwd tse prion
Feral hogs and cwd tse prion
woman was just killed in Texas by feral hogs. also, cwd and pigs, well, it could happen, plus, can one imagine if cwd ever did transmit to feral hogs in the wild, or even if it didn't, those hogs digging up everything, if in a cwd zone, could help spread cwd to hell and back. just thinking out of the box a bit, bbbut...... cwd scrapie pigs oral routes
***> cattle, pigs, sheep, cwd, tse, prion, oh my!…terrible
WE NOW KNOW, that CWD will transmit, BY ORAL ROUTES, to cattle, sheep, pigs, Cervid, monkeys, and probably any species, if fed large enough doses of Cwd, and held long enough…so, it is of utmost urgency to update and enhance the old 1997 mad cow feed ban…it’s just science…terry
Drug Administration's BSE Feed Regulation (21 CFR 589.2000) Singeltary Another Request for Update 2023
The infamous 1997 mad cow feed ban i.e. Food and Drug Administration's BSE Feed Regulation (21 CFR 589.2000) most material (exceptions include milk, tallow, and gelatin) from deer and elk is prohibited for use in feed for ruminant animals. With regards to feed for non-ruminant animals, under FDA law, CWD positive deer may not be used for any animal feed or feed ingredients. For elk and deer considered at high risk for CWD, the FDA recommends that these animals do not enter the animal feed system. However, this recommendation is guidance and not a requirement by law.
***>However, this recommendation is guidance and not a requirement by law.
WITH GREAT URGENCY, THE Food and Drug Administration's BSE Feed Regulation (21 CFR 589.2000) MUST BE ENHANCED AND UPDATED TO INCLUDE CERVID, PIGS, AND SHEEP, SINCE RECENT SCIENCE AND TRANSMISSION STUDIES ALL, INCLUDING CATTLE, HAVE SHOWN ORAL TSE PrP TRANSMISSIONS BETWEEN THE SPECIES, AND THIS SHOULD BE DONE WITH THE UTMOST URGENCY…terry
2016
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
https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FDA-2003-D-0432-0011
https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FDA-2003-D-0432
Detection of chronic wasting disease prions in processed meats
Results: Our results show positive prion detection in all the samples analyzed using deer and elk substrates. Surprisingly, cooked meats displayed increased seeding activities. This data suggests that CWD-prions are available to people even after meats are processed and cooked.
Conclusions: These results suggest CWD prions are accessible to humans through meats, even after processing and cooking. Considering the fact that these samples were collected from already processed specimens, the availability of CWD prions to humans is probably underestimated.
PRION 2023 CONTINUED;
https://prion2023.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Meeting-book-final-version2.pdf
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.
https://prion2023.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Meeting-book-final-version2.pdf
17 DETECTION OF CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE PRIONS IN PROCESSED MEATS.
Abstract
The zoonotic potential of chronic wasting disease (CWD) remains unknown. Currently, there are no known natural cases of CWD transmission to humans but increasing evidence suggests that the host range of CWD is not confined only to cervid species. Alarmingly, recent experimental evidence suggests that certain CWD isolates can induce disease in non-human primates. While the CDC strongly recommends determining CWD status in animals prior to consumption, this practice is voluntary. Consequently, it is plausible that a proportion of the cervid meat entering the human food chain may be contaminated with CWD. Of additional concern is that traditional diagnostic techniques used to detect CWD have relatively low sensitivity and are only approved for use in tissues other than those typically ingested by humans. In this study, we analyzed different processed meats derived from a pre-clinical, CWD-positive free-ranging elk. Products tested included filets, sausages, boneless steaks, burgers, ham steaks, seasoned chili meats, and spiced meats. CWD-prion presence in these products were assessed by PMCA using deer and elk substrates.
Our results show positive prion detection in all products.
To confirm the resilience of CWD-prions to traditional cooking methods, we grilled and boiled the meat products and evaluated them for any remnant PMCA seeding activity. Results confirmed the presence of CWD-prions in these meat products suggesting that infectious particles may still be available to people even after cooking. Our results strongly suggest ongoing human exposure to CWD-prions and raise significant concerns of zoonotic transmission through ingestion of CWD contaminated meat products.
***> Products tested included filets, sausages, boneless steaks, burgers, ham steaks, seasoned chili meats, and spiced meats.
***> CWD-prion presence in these products were assessed by PMCA using deer and elk substrates.
***> Our results show positive prion detection in all products.
***> Results confirmed the presence of CWD-prions in these meat products suggesting that infectious particles may still be available to people even after cooking.
***> Our results strongly suggest ongoing human exposure to CWD-prions and raise significant concerns of zoonotic transmission through ingestion of CWD contaminated meat products.
=====
Transmission of prion infectivity from CWD-infected macaque tissues to rodent models demonstrates the zoonotic potential of chronic wasting disease.
***> Further passage to cervidized mice revealed transmission with a 100% attack rate.
***> Our findings demonstrate that macaques, considered the best model for the zoonotic potential of prions, were infected upon CWD challenge, including the oral one.
****> The disease manifested as atypical in macaques and initial transgenic mouse transmissions, but with infectivity present at all times, as unveiled in the bank vole model with an unusual tissue tropism.
***> Epidemiologic surveillance of prion disease among cervid hunters and people likely to have consumed venison contaminated with chronic wasting disease
=====
https://intcwdsympo.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/final-agenda-with-abstracts.pdf?force_download=true
cwd scrapie pigs oral routes
***> However, at 51 months of incubation or greater, 5 animals were positive by one or more diagnostic methods. Furthermore, positive bioassay results were obtained from all inoculated groups (oral and intracranial; market weight and end of study) suggesting that swine are potential hosts for the agent of scrapie. <***
***> Results: PrPSc was not detected by EIA and IHC in any RPLNs. All tonsils and MLNs were negative by IHC, though the MLN from one pig in the oral <6 month group was positive by EIA. PrPSc was detected by QuIC in at least one of the lymphoid tissues examined in 5/6 pigs in the intracranial <6 months group, 6/7 intracranial >6 months group, 5/6 pigs in the oral <6 months group, and 4/6 oral >6 months group. Overall, the MLN was positive in 14/19 (74%) of samples examined, the RPLN in 8/18(44%), and the tonsil in 10/25 (40%).
***> Conclusions: This study demonstrates that PrPSc accumulates in lymphoid tissues from pigs challenged intracranially or orally with the CWD agent, and can be detected as early as 4 months after challenge. CWD-infected pigs rarely develop clinical disease and if they do, they do so after a long incubation period. This raises the possibility that CWD-infected pigs could shed prions into their environment long before they develop clinical disease. Furthermore, lymphoid tissues from CWD-infected pigs could present a potential source of CWD infectivity in the animal and human food chains.
https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=353091
https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/project/?accnNo=432011&fy=2017
https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=337105
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that PrPSc accumulates in lymphoid tissues from pigs challenged intracranially or orally with the CWD agent, and can be detected as early as 4 months after challenge. CWD-infected pigs rarely develop clinical disease and if they do, they do so after a long incubation period. This raises the possibility that CWD-infected pigs could shed prions into their environment long before they develop clinical disease. Furthermore, lymphoid tissues from CWD-infected pigs could present a potential source of CWD infectivity in the animal and human food chains.
https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=337105
Prion Conference 2023
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.
"Cattle with the E211K polymorphism are susceptible to the CWD agent after oronasal exposure of 0.2 g of infectious material."
=====end
Strain characterization of chronic wasting disease in bovine-PrP transgenic mice
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.
"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
https://prion2023.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Meeting-book-final-version2.pdf
Cattle with the EK211 PRNP polymorphism are susceptible to the H-type bovine spongiform encephalopathy agent from either E211K or wild type donors after oronasal inoculation
Justin J. Greenleea, Eric D. Cassmanna, S. Jo Moorea,b, and M. Heather West Greenleec
aVirus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, ARS, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA; bOak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, TN, US; cDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, US
Aims: In 2006, a case of H-type bovine spongiform encephalopathy (H-BSE) was reported in a cow with a previously unreported prion protein polymorphism (E211K). The E211K polymorphism is heritable and homologous to the E200K mutation in humans that is the most frequent PRNP mutation associated with familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Although the prevalence of the E211K polymorphism is low, cattle carrying the K211 allele develop H-type BSE with a rapid onset after experimental inoculation by the intracranial route. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the agents of H-type BSE or H-type BSE associated with the E211K polymorphism transmit to wild type cattle or cattle with the K211 allele after oronasal exposure.
Material and Methods: Wild type (EE211) or heterozygous (EK211) cattle were oronasally inoculated with the H-BSE agent from either the US 2004 case (wild type donor; n = 3) or from the US 2006 case with the E211K polymorphism (n = 4). Cattle were observed daily throughout the course of the experiment for the development of clinical signs. When signs were noted, animals were euthanized and necropsied. Cattle were confirmed positive for abnormal BSE prions by enzyme immunoassay (EIA; Idexx HerdChek BSE Ag Test), anti-PrP immunohistochemistry (IHC) on brainstem, and microscopic examination for vacuolation.
Results: Three-out-of-four (75%) calves with the EK211 genotype developed clinical signs of H-BSE including inattentiveness, loss of body condition, weakness, ataxia, and muscle fasciculations and were euthanized. Two of the positive EK211 steers received H-BSE US 2004 inoculum (Incubation Period (IP): 59.3 and 72.3 months) while the other positive steer received the E211K H-BSE inoculum (IP: 49.7 months). EIA confirmed that abundant misfolded protein (O.D. 2.57–4.0) in the brainstem, and IHC demonstrated PrPScthroughout the brain. All wild type recipient cattle and a single EK211 steer remained asymptomatic for the duration of the experiment (approximately 7 years post-inoculation) and no abnormal prion protein was detected in these cattle by EIA.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the H-type BSE agent is transmissible by the oronasal route. Cattle with the EK211 genotype are oronasally susceptible to small doses of the H-BSE agent from either EK211 or EE211 (wild type) donors. Wild-type EE211 cattle remained asymptomatic for the duration of the experiment with this small dose (0.1 g) of inoculum. These results reinforce the need for ongoing surveillance for classical and atypical BSE to minimize the risk of potentially infectious tissues entering the animal or human food chains.
Funded by: US Department of Agriculture
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19336896.2022.2091286
https://fdabse589.blogspot.com/2023/11/food-and-drug-administrations-bse-feed.html
NOW, BE AWARE, OIE AND USDA HAVE NOW MADE ATYPICAL SCRAPIE AND ATYPICAL BSE A LEGAL TRADING COMMODITY, WITH NO REPORTING OF SAID ATYPICAL CASES, EXCEPT FOR A VOLUNTARY NOTE ON ANNUAL REPORT...i don't make this stuff up...terry
USA testing <25K cattle annually for BSE, BUT, even at those low testing figures, the USA did just confirm another case of BSE just here recently. Feed ban has failed terribly, and CWD is spreading in the USA, at an alarming rate. Recent transmission studies show oral transmission of CWD of Cervid to cattle. Studies also show links of sporadic CJD to BSE, Scrapie, and CWD. It’s a Whole new game of Prion poker now$$$
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
***> WAHIS, WOAH, OIE, United States of America Bovine spongiform encephalopathy Immediate notification
https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5067
https://woahoie.blogspot.com/2023/05/wahis-woah-oie-united-states-of-america.html
https://prpsc.proboards.com/thread/125/wahis-woah-oie-immediate-notification
SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2023
***> Tennessee State Veterinarian Alerts Cattle Owners to Disease Detection Mad Cow atypical L-Type BSE
https://bse-atypical.blogspot.com/2023/05/tennessee-state-veterinarian-alerts.html
https://prpsc.proboards.com/thread/123/tennessee-veterinarian-alerts-cattle-confirmed
MAY 19, 2023
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/sa_by_date/sa-2023/bse
2 weeks before the announcement of this recent mad cow case in the USA, i submitted this to the APHIS et al;
***> APPRX. 2 weeks before the recent mad cow case was confirmed in the USA, in Tennessee, atypical L-Type BSE, I submitted this to the APHIS et al;
Document APHIS-2023-0027-0001 BSE Singeltary Comment Submission May 2, 2023
''said 'burden' cost, will be a heavy burden to bear, if we fail with Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy BSE TSE Prion disease, that is why this information collection is so critical''...
https://www.regulations.gov/comment/APHIS-2023-0027-0002
https://downloads.regulations.gov/APHIS-2023-0027-0002/attachment_1.pdf
1985
Evidence That Transmissible Mink Encephalopathy Results from Feeding Infected Cattle Over the next 8-10 weeks, approximately 40% of all the adult mink on the farm died from TME.
snip...
The rancher was a ''dead stock'' feeder using mostly (>95%) downer or dead dairy cattle...
https://web.archive.org/web/20090506002258/http://www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/mb/m09/tab05.pdf
https://web.archive.org/web/20090506001031/http://www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/mb/m09a/tab01.pdf
https://web.archive.org/web/20090506024922/http://www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/yb/1987/06/10004001.pdf
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy BSE TSE Prion Origin USA?, what if?
Terry S. Singeltary Sr.
TEXAS CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CWD TSE PRION UPDATE DECEMBER 2024 TOTAL TO DATE 1061 CASES CONFIRMED
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387509143_TEXAS_CHRONIC_WASTING_DISEASE_CWD_TSE_PRION_UPDATE_DECEMBER_2024_TOTAL_TO_DATE_1061_CASES_CONFIRMED
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
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/three-louisiana-residents-sentenced-federal-lacey-act-violations
CDC Journal ahead print into 2025 CWD not looking good
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
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/1/24-0401_article
Prions in Muscles of Cervids with Chronic Wasting Disease, Norway T. T. Vuong et al.
Detection of Chronic Wasting Disease Prions in Raw, Processed, and Cooked Elk Meat, Texas, USA R. Benavente et al.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/early-release#issue-269
Volume 31, Number 2—February 2025
Research
Prions in Muscles of Cervids with Chronic Wasting Disease, Norway
Abstract
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an emerging prion disease in Nordic countries and has been detected in reindeer, moose, and red deer since 2016. CWD sporadically detected in moose and red deer in 3 Nordic countries demonstrated pathologic and strain characteristics different from CWD in reindeer, including an unexpected lack of prions outside the central nervous system as measured by standard diagnostic tests. Using protein misfolding cyclic amplification, we detected prions in the lymphoreticular system of moose and red deer with CWD in Norway and, remarkably, in muscles of both of those species and in CWD-infected reindeer. One moose lymph node and 1 moose muscle sample showed infectivity when experimentally transmitted to bank voles. Our findings highlight the systemic nature of CWD strains in Europe and raise questions regarding the risk of human exposure through edible tissues.
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.
Top
Dr. Vuong is a research scientist at Norwegian Veterinary Institute in Ås, Norway. Her research interests are the pathogenesis of chronic wasting disease and the development of biochemical techniques to detect prions.
Appendix
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/2/24-0903-app1.pdf
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/2/24-0903_article
DETECTION OF CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE PRIONS IN PROCESSED MEATS.
Abstract
The zoonotic potential of chronic wasting disease (CWD) remains unknown. Currently, there are no known natural cases of CWD transmission to humans but increasing evidence suggests that the host range of CWD is not confined only to cervid species. Alarmingly, recent experimental evidence suggests that certain CWD isolates can induce disease in non-human primates. While the CDC strongly recommends determining CWD status in animals prior to consumption, this practice is voluntary. Consequently, it is plausible that a proportion of the cervid meat entering the human food chain may be contaminated with CWD. Of additional concern is that traditional diagnostic techniques used to detect CWD have relatively low sensitivity and are only approved for use in tissues other than those typically ingested by humans. In this study, we analyzed different processed meats derived from a pre-clinical, CWD-positive free-ranging elk. Products tested included filets, sausages, boneless steaks, burgers, ham steaks, seasoned chili meats, and spiced meats. CWD-prion presence in these products were assessed by PMCA using deer and elk substrates. Our results show positive prion detection in all products. To confirm the resilience of CWD-prions to traditional cooking methods, we grilled and boiled the meat products and evaluated them for any remnant PMCA seeding activity. Results confirmed the presence of CWD-prions in these meat products suggesting that infectious particles may still be available to people even after cooking. Our results strongly suggest ongoing human exposure to CWD-prions and raise significant concerns of zoonotic transmission through ingestion of CWD contaminated meat products.
***> Products tested included filets, sausages, boneless steaks, burgers, ham steaks, seasoned chili meats, and spiced meats.
***> CWD-prion presence in these products were assessed by PMCA using deer and elk substrates.
***> Our results show positive prion detection in all products.
***> Results confirmed the presence of CWD-prions in these meat products suggesting that infectious particles may still be available to people even after cooking.
***> Our results strongly suggest ongoing human exposure to CWD-prions and raise significant concerns of zoonotic transmission through ingestion of CWD contaminated meat products.
https://intcwdsympo.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/final-agenda-with-abstracts.pdf?force_download=true
The detection and decontamination of chronic wasting disease prions during venison processing
Marissa S. Milstein1,2, Marc D. Schwabenlander1,2, Sarah C. Gresch1,2, Manci Li1,2, Stuart Lichtenberg1,2, Rachel Shoemaker1,2, Gage R. Rowden1,2, Jason C. Bartz2,3 , Tiffany M. Wolf2,4, Peter A. Larsen1,2
Presenting author: Tiffany M. Wolf 1 Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA 2 Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA 3 Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA 4 Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Aims: There is a growing concern that chronic wasting disease (CWD) prions in venison pose a risk to human health. CWD prions accumulate in infected deer tissues that commonly enter the human food chain through meat processing and consumption. The United States (US) Food and Drug Administration and US Department of Agriculture now formally consider CWD-positive venison unfit for human and animal consumption. Yet, the degree to which prion contamination occurs during routine venison processing is unknown. Here, we use environmental surface swab methods to: a) experimentally test meat processing equipment (i.e., stainless steel knives and polyethylene cutting boards) before and after processing CWD-positive venison and b) test the efficacy of five different disinfectant types (i.e., Dawn dish soap, Virkon-S, Briotech, 10% bleach, and 40% bleach) to determine prion decontamination efficacy.
Materials and Methods: We used a real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay to determine CWD infection status of venison and to detect CWD prions in the swabs. We collected three swabs per surface and ran eight technical replicates on RT-QuIC.
Results: CWD prions were detected on all cutting boards (n= 3; replicates= 8/8, 8/8, 8/8 and knives (n= 3; replicates= 8/8, 8/8, 8/8) used in processing CWD-positive venison, but not on those used for CWD-negative venison. After processing CWD-positive venison, allowing the surfaces to dry, and washing the cutting board with Dawn dish soap, we detected CWD prions on the cutting board surface (n= 3; replicates= 8/8, 8/8, 8/8) but not on the knife (n= 3, replicates = 0/8, 0/8, 0/8). Similar patterns were observed with Briotech (cutting board: n= 3; replicates= 7/8, 1/8, 0/8; knife: n= 3; replicates = 0/8, 0/8, 0/8). We did not detect CWD prions on the knives or cutting boards after disinfecting with Virkon-S, 10% bleach, and 40% bleach.
Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that Dawn dish soap and Briotech do not reliably decontaminate CWD prions from these surfaces. Our data suggest that Virkon-S and various bleach concentrations are more effective in reducing prion contamination of meat processing surfaces; however, surface type may also influence the ability of prions to adsorb to surfaces, preventing complete decontamination. Our results will directly inform best practices to prevent the introduction of CWD prions into the human food chain during venison processing.
Acknowledgement: Funding was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), the Rapid Agriculture Response Fund (#95385/RR257), and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Theme: Animal prion diseases
=====end
Prion 2023 Abstracts
https://prion2023.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Meeting-book-final-version2.pdf
Prions in Muscles of Cervids with Chronic Wasting Disease, Norway Volume 31, Number 2—February 2025 Research
https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2025/01/prions-in-muscles-of-cervids-with.html
CDC, About Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
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.
https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-wasting/about/index.html
APHIS USDA CWD Status Of Captive Herds Updated December 2024
CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CASES
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/status-of-captive-herds.pdf
These “Quarantined” CWD Positive Herds, could be the bane of existence for Cervid, the Environment, and who knows what else, imo… all the while those CWD positive deer are quarantined and left in pastures, that land further gets saturated wit the CWD TSE PrP, the Environment becomes saturated, and you further risk the possibility of other species coming into contact with the CWD infected Cervid…
Long term environmental factors for Cwd tse prion
For what it's worth, Back around 2000, 2001, or so, I was corresponding with officials abroad during the bse inquiry, passing info back and forth on CJD and Nutritional Supplements and BSE here in the USA, and some officials from here inside USDA aphis FSIS et al, in fact helped me get into the USA 50 state emergency BSE conference call way back. That one was a doozy. But I always remember what “deep throat” as i called them, I never knew who they were, but I never forgot what i was told decades ago, amongst them was ;
Some unofficial information from a source on the inside looking out -
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?..
"Additionally, we have determined that prion seeding activity is retained for at least fifteen years at a contaminated site following attempted remediation."
Detection of prions in soils contaminated by multiple routes
Aims: Free-ranging animals afflicted with transmissible spongiform encephalopathies frequently shed infectious prions into the broader environment. The quintessential example is chronic wasting disease, the TSE of cervids. Over the course of the disease, an infected animal will shed infectious prions in blood, urine, saliva, and feces. Upon death, the total prion load interred in the animal’s tissues will be deposited wherever the animal falls. This contamination creates substantial risk to naïve animals, and likely contributes to disease spread. Identification and quantification of prions at contamination hotspots is essential for any attempt at mitigation of environmental transmission.
Materials and Methods: Surfactant extraction of soils followed by precipitation yields a sample that is amenable to analysis by real-time quaking induced conversion. However, differences in extraction yield are apparent depending on the properties of the matrix from which the prions are being extracted, principally soil clay content.
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
=====end
Prion 2023 Abstracts
https://prion2023.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Meeting-book-final-version2.pdf
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.
https://int-cwd-sympo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/final-agenda-with-abstracts.pdf
9 Carrot plants as potential vectors for CWD transmission.
We show that edible plant components can absorb prions from CWD-contaminated soils and transport them to their aerial parts.
Our results indicate that edible plants could participate as vectors of CWD transmission
https://intcwdsympo.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/final-agenda-with-abstracts.pdf?force_download=true
***> 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
https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/jgv/10.1099/vir.0.82011-0
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.
https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1136/vr.105054
***>This is very likely to have parallels with control efforts for CWD in cervids.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30602491/
CDC Journal ahead print into 2025 CWD not looking good
Prions in Muscles of Cervids with Chronic Wasting Disease, Norway T. T. Vuong et al.
Detection of Chronic Wasting Disease Prions in Raw, Processed, and Cooked Elk Meat, Texas, USA R. Benavente et al.
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
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/early-release#issue-269
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/1/24-0401_article
CDC, About Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
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.
https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-wasting/about/index.html
Transmission of prion infectivity from CWD-infected macaque tissues to rodent models demonstrates the zoonotic potential of chronic wasting disease.
Further passage to cervidized mice revealed transmission with a 100% attack rate.
Our findings demonstrate that macaques, considered the best model for the zoonotic potential of prions, were infected upon CWD challenge, including the oral one.
The disease manifested as atypical in macaques and initial transgenic mouse transmissions, but with infectivity present at all times, as unveiled in the bank vole model with an unusual tissue tropism.
Epidemiologic surveillance of prion disease among cervid hunters and people likely to have consumed venison contaminated with chronic wasting disease
DETECTION OF CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE PRIONS IN PROCESSED MEATS.
Abstract
The zoonotic potential of chronic wasting disease (CWD) remains unknown. Currently, there are no known natural cases of CWD transmission to humans but increasing evidence suggests that the host range of CWD is not confined only to cervid species. Alarmingly, recent experimental evidence suggests that certain CWD isolates can induce disease in non-human primates. While the CDC strongly recommends determining CWD status in animals prior to consumption, this practice is voluntary. Consequently, it is plausible that a proportion of the cervid meat entering the human food chain may be contaminated with CWD. Of additional concern is that traditional diagnostic techniques used to detect CWD have relatively low sensitivity and are only approved for use in tissues other than those typically ingested by humans. In this study, we analyzed different processed meats derived from a pre-clinical, CWD-positive free-ranging elk. Products tested included filets, sausages, boneless steaks, burgers, ham steaks, seasoned chili meats, and spiced meats. CWD-prion presence in these products were assessed by PMCA using deer and elk substrates. Our results show positive prion detection in all products. To confirm the resilience of CWD-prions to traditional cooking methods, we grilled and boiled the meat products and evaluated them for any remnant PMCA seeding activity. Results confirmed the presence of CWD-prions in these meat products suggesting that infectious particles may still be available to people even after cooking. Our results strongly suggest ongoing human exposure to CWD-prions and raise significant concerns of zoonotic transmission through ingestion of CWD contaminated meat products.
***> Products tested included filets, sausages, boneless steaks, burgers, ham steaks, seasoned chili meats, and spiced meats.
***> CWD-prion presence in these products were assessed by PMCA using deer and elk substrates.
***> Our results show positive prion detection in all products.
***> Results confirmed the presence of CWD-prions in these meat products suggesting that infectious particles may still be available to people even after cooking.
***> Our results strongly suggest ongoing human exposure to CWD-prions and raise significant concerns of zoonotic transmission through ingestion of CWD contaminated meat products.
=====
9 Carrot plants as potential vectors for CWD transmission.
We show that edible plant components can absorb prions from CWD-contaminated soils and transport them to their aerial parts.
Our results indicate that edible plants could participate as vectors of CWD transmission
https://intcwdsympo.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/final-agenda-with-abstracts.pdf?force_download=true
Transmission of cervid prions to humanized mice demonstrates the zoonotic potential of CWD
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.
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.
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.
***> 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
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00401-022-02482-9
snip...see full text
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00401-022-02482-9
2019
-----Original Message----- From: Terry S. Singeltary Sr. <flounder9@verizon.net> To: Terry Singeltary <flounder9@verizon.net> Sent: Fri, Dec 6, 2019 2:36 pm
Subject: Feral hogs and cwd tse prion
Feral hogs and cwd tse prion
woman was just killed in Texas by feral hogs. also, cwd and pigs, well, it could happen, plus, can one imagine if cwd ever did transmit to feral hogs in the wild, or even if it didn't, those hogs digging up everything, if in a cwd zone, could help spread cwd to hell and back. just thinking out of the box a bit, bbbut...... cwd scrapie pigs oral routes
***> cattle, pigs, sheep, cwd, tse, prion, oh my!…terrible
WE NOW KNOW, that CWD will transmit, BY ORAL ROUTES, to cattle, sheep, pigs, Cervid, monkeys, and probably any species, if fed large enough doses of Cwd, and held long enough…so, it is of utmost urgency to update and enhance the old 1997 mad cow feed ban…it’s just science…terry
Drug Administration's BSE Feed Regulation (21 CFR 589.2000) Singeltary Another Request for Update 2023
The infamous 1997 mad cow feed ban i.e. Food and Drug Administration's BSE Feed Regulation (21 CFR 589.2000) most material (exceptions include milk, tallow, and gelatin) from deer and elk is prohibited for use in feed for ruminant animals. With regards to feed for non-ruminant animals, under FDA law, CWD positive deer may not be used for any animal feed or feed ingredients. For elk and deer considered at high risk for CWD, the FDA recommends that these animals do not enter the animal feed system. However, this recommendation is guidance and not a requirement by law.
***>However, this recommendation is guidance and not a requirement by law.
WITH GREAT URGENCY, THE Food and Drug Administration's BSE Feed Regulation (21 CFR 589.2000) MUST BE ENHANCED AND UPDATED TO INCLUDE CERVID, PIGS, AND SHEEP, SINCE RECENT SCIENCE AND TRANSMISSION STUDIES ALL, INCLUDING CATTLE, HAVE SHOWN ORAL TSE PrP TRANSMISSIONS BETWEEN THE SPECIES, AND THIS SHOULD BE DONE WITH THE UTMOST URGENCY…terry
2016
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
https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FDA-2003-D-0432-0011
https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FDA-2003-D-0432
Detection of chronic wasting disease prions in processed meats
Results: Our results show positive prion detection in all the samples analyzed using deer and elk substrates. Surprisingly, cooked meats displayed increased seeding activities. This data suggests that CWD-prions are available to people even after meats are processed and cooked.
Conclusions: These results suggest CWD prions are accessible to humans through meats, even after processing and cooking. Considering the fact that these samples were collected from already processed specimens, the availability of CWD prions to humans is probably underestimated.
PRION 2023 CONTINUED;
https://prion2023.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Meeting-book-final-version2.pdf
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.
https://prion2023.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Meeting-book-final-version2.pdf
17 DETECTION OF CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE PRIONS IN PROCESSED MEATS.
Abstract
The zoonotic potential of chronic wasting disease (CWD) remains unknown. Currently, there are no known natural cases of CWD transmission to humans but increasing evidence suggests that the host range of CWD is not confined only to cervid species. Alarmingly, recent experimental evidence suggests that certain CWD isolates can induce disease in non-human primates. While the CDC strongly recommends determining CWD status in animals prior to consumption, this practice is voluntary. Consequently, it is plausible that a proportion of the cervid meat entering the human food chain may be contaminated with CWD. Of additional concern is that traditional diagnostic techniques used to detect CWD have relatively low sensitivity and are only approved for use in tissues other than those typically ingested by humans. In this study, we analyzed different processed meats derived from a pre-clinical, CWD-positive free-ranging elk. Products tested included filets, sausages, boneless steaks, burgers, ham steaks, seasoned chili meats, and spiced meats. CWD-prion presence in these products were assessed by PMCA using deer and elk substrates.
Our results show positive prion detection in all products.
To confirm the resilience of CWD-prions to traditional cooking methods, we grilled and boiled the meat products and evaluated them for any remnant PMCA seeding activity. Results confirmed the presence of CWD-prions in these meat products suggesting that infectious particles may still be available to people even after cooking. Our results strongly suggest ongoing human exposure to CWD-prions and raise significant concerns of zoonotic transmission through ingestion of CWD contaminated meat products.
***> Products tested included filets, sausages, boneless steaks, burgers, ham steaks, seasoned chili meats, and spiced meats.
***> CWD-prion presence in these products were assessed by PMCA using deer and elk substrates.
***> Our results show positive prion detection in all products.
***> Results confirmed the presence of CWD-prions in these meat products suggesting that infectious particles may still be available to people even after cooking.
***> Our results strongly suggest ongoing human exposure to CWD-prions and raise significant concerns of zoonotic transmission through ingestion of CWD contaminated meat products.
=====
Transmission of prion infectivity from CWD-infected macaque tissues to rodent models demonstrates the zoonotic potential of chronic wasting disease.
***> Further passage to cervidized mice revealed transmission with a 100% attack rate.
***> Our findings demonstrate that macaques, considered the best model for the zoonotic potential of prions, were infected upon CWD challenge, including the oral one.
****> The disease manifested as atypical in macaques and initial transgenic mouse transmissions, but with infectivity present at all times, as unveiled in the bank vole model with an unusual tissue tropism.
***> Epidemiologic surveillance of prion disease among cervid hunters and people likely to have consumed venison contaminated with chronic wasting disease
=====
https://intcwdsympo.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/final-agenda-with-abstracts.pdf?force_download=true
cwd scrapie pigs oral routes
***> However, at 51 months of incubation or greater, 5 animals were positive by one or more diagnostic methods. Furthermore, positive bioassay results were obtained from all inoculated groups (oral and intracranial; market weight and end of study) suggesting that swine are potential hosts for the agent of scrapie. <***
*** Although the current U.S. feed ban is based on keeping tissues from TSE infected cattle from contaminating animal feed, swine rations in the U.S. could contain animal derived components including materials from scrapie infected sheep and goats. These results indicating the susceptibility of pigs to sheep scrapie, coupled with the limitations of the current feed ban, indicates that a revision of the feed ban may be necessary to protect swine production and potentially human health. <***
***> Results: PrPSc was not detected by EIA and IHC in any RPLNs. All tonsils and MLNs were negative by IHC, though the MLN from one pig in the oral <6 month group was positive by EIA. PrPSc was detected by QuIC in at least one of the lymphoid tissues examined in 5/6 pigs in the intracranial <6 months group, 6/7 intracranial >6 months group, 5/6 pigs in the oral <6 months group, and 4/6 oral >6 months group. Overall, the MLN was positive in 14/19 (74%) of samples examined, the RPLN in 8/18(44%), and the tonsil in 10/25 (40%).
***> Conclusions: This study demonstrates that PrPSc accumulates in lymphoid tissues from pigs challenged intracranially or orally with the CWD agent, and can be detected as early as 4 months after challenge. CWD-infected pigs rarely develop clinical disease and if they do, they do so after a long incubation period. This raises the possibility that CWD-infected pigs could shed prions into their environment long before they develop clinical disease. Furthermore, lymphoid tissues from CWD-infected pigs could present a potential source of CWD infectivity in the animal and human food chains.
https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=353091
https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/project/?accnNo=432011&fy=2017
https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=337105
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that PrPSc accumulates in lymphoid tissues from pigs challenged intracranially or orally with the CWD agent, and can be detected as early as 4 months after challenge. CWD-infected pigs rarely develop clinical disease and if they do, they do so after a long incubation period. This raises the possibility that CWD-infected pigs could shed prions into their environment long before they develop clinical disease. Furthermore, lymphoid tissues from CWD-infected pigs could present a potential source of CWD infectivity in the animal and human food chains.
https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=337105
Prion Conference 2023
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.
"Cattle with the E211K polymorphism are susceptible to the CWD agent after oronasal exposure of 0.2 g of infectious material."
=====end
Strain characterization of chronic wasting disease in bovine-PrP transgenic mice
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.
"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
https://prion2023.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Meeting-book-final-version2.pdf
Cattle with the EK211 PRNP polymorphism are susceptible to the H-type bovine spongiform encephalopathy agent from either E211K or wild type donors after oronasal inoculation
Justin J. Greenleea, Eric D. Cassmanna, S. Jo Moorea,b, and M. Heather West Greenleec
aVirus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, ARS, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA; bOak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, TN, US; cDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, US
Aims: In 2006, a case of H-type bovine spongiform encephalopathy (H-BSE) was reported in a cow with a previously unreported prion protein polymorphism (E211K). The E211K polymorphism is heritable and homologous to the E200K mutation in humans that is the most frequent PRNP mutation associated with familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Although the prevalence of the E211K polymorphism is low, cattle carrying the K211 allele develop H-type BSE with a rapid onset after experimental inoculation by the intracranial route. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the agents of H-type BSE or H-type BSE associated with the E211K polymorphism transmit to wild type cattle or cattle with the K211 allele after oronasal exposure.
Material and Methods: Wild type (EE211) or heterozygous (EK211) cattle were oronasally inoculated with the H-BSE agent from either the US 2004 case (wild type donor; n = 3) or from the US 2006 case with the E211K polymorphism (n = 4). Cattle were observed daily throughout the course of the experiment for the development of clinical signs. When signs were noted, animals were euthanized and necropsied. Cattle were confirmed positive for abnormal BSE prions by enzyme immunoassay (EIA; Idexx HerdChek BSE Ag Test), anti-PrP immunohistochemistry (IHC) on brainstem, and microscopic examination for vacuolation.
Results: Three-out-of-four (75%) calves with the EK211 genotype developed clinical signs of H-BSE including inattentiveness, loss of body condition, weakness, ataxia, and muscle fasciculations and were euthanized. Two of the positive EK211 steers received H-BSE US 2004 inoculum (Incubation Period (IP): 59.3 and 72.3 months) while the other positive steer received the E211K H-BSE inoculum (IP: 49.7 months). EIA confirmed that abundant misfolded protein (O.D. 2.57–4.0) in the brainstem, and IHC demonstrated PrPScthroughout the brain. All wild type recipient cattle and a single EK211 steer remained asymptomatic for the duration of the experiment (approximately 7 years post-inoculation) and no abnormal prion protein was detected in these cattle by EIA.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the H-type BSE agent is transmissible by the oronasal route. Cattle with the EK211 genotype are oronasally susceptible to small doses of the H-BSE agent from either EK211 or EE211 (wild type) donors. Wild-type EE211 cattle remained asymptomatic for the duration of the experiment with this small dose (0.1 g) of inoculum. These results reinforce the need for ongoing surveillance for classical and atypical BSE to minimize the risk of potentially infectious tissues entering the animal or human food chains.
Funded by: US Department of Agriculture
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19336896.2022.2091286
https://fdabse589.blogspot.com/2023/11/food-and-drug-administrations-bse-feed.html
NOW, BE AWARE, OIE AND USDA HAVE NOW MADE ATYPICAL SCRAPIE AND ATYPICAL BSE A LEGAL TRADING COMMODITY, WITH NO REPORTING OF SAID ATYPICAL CASES, EXCEPT FOR A VOLUNTARY NOTE ON ANNUAL REPORT...i don't make this stuff up...terry
USA testing <25K cattle annually for BSE, BUT, even at those low testing figures, the USA did just confirm another case of BSE just here recently. Feed ban has failed terribly, and CWD is spreading in the USA, at an alarming rate. Recent transmission studies show oral transmission of CWD of Cervid to cattle. Studies also show links of sporadic CJD to BSE, Scrapie, and CWD. It’s a Whole new game of Prion poker now$$$
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
***> WAHIS, WOAH, OIE, United States of America Bovine spongiform encephalopathy Immediate notification
https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5067
https://woahoie.blogspot.com/2023/05/wahis-woah-oie-united-states-of-america.html
https://prpsc.proboards.com/thread/125/wahis-woah-oie-immediate-notification
SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2023
***> Tennessee State Veterinarian Alerts Cattle Owners to Disease Detection Mad Cow atypical L-Type BSE
https://bse-atypical.blogspot.com/2023/05/tennessee-state-veterinarian-alerts.html
https://prpsc.proboards.com/thread/123/tennessee-veterinarian-alerts-cattle-confirmed
MAY 19, 2023
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/sa_by_date/sa-2023/bse
2 weeks before the announcement of this recent mad cow case in the USA, i submitted this to the APHIS et al;
***> APPRX. 2 weeks before the recent mad cow case was confirmed in the USA, in Tennessee, atypical L-Type BSE, I submitted this to the APHIS et al;
Document APHIS-2023-0027-0001 BSE Singeltary Comment Submission May 2, 2023
''said 'burden' cost, will be a heavy burden to bear, if we fail with Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy BSE TSE Prion disease, that is why this information collection is so critical''...
https://www.regulations.gov/comment/APHIS-2023-0027-0002
https://downloads.regulations.gov/APHIS-2023-0027-0002/attachment_1.pdf
1985
Evidence That Transmissible Mink Encephalopathy Results from Feeding Infected Cattle Over the next 8-10 weeks, approximately 40% of all the adult mink on the farm died from TME.
snip...
The rancher was a ''dead stock'' feeder using mostly (>95%) downer or dead dairy cattle...
https://web.archive.org/web/20090506002258/http://www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/mb/m09/tab05.pdf
https://web.archive.org/web/20090506001031/http://www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/mb/m09a/tab01.pdf
https://web.archive.org/web/20090506024922/http://www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/yb/1987/06/10004001.pdf
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy BSE TSE Prion Origin USA?, what if?
Terry S. Singeltary Sr.
TEXAS CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CWD TSE PRION UPDATE DECEMBER 2024 TOTAL TO DATE 1061 CASES CONFIRMED
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387509143_TEXAS_CHRONIC_WASTING_DISEASE_CWD_TSE_PRION_UPDATE_DECEMBER_2024_TOTAL_TO_DATE_1061_CASES_CONFIRMED
Preventing Prion Disease Infection in Endoscopy January 9 2025
2002 I tried warning GUT Journal endoscopy risks they were going to publish it, but then Bramble shot it down. Wonder how many people were needlessly exposed to the cjd the prion since then?
Creutzfeldt Jacob Disease CJD, BSE, CWD, TSE Prion, December 14, 2024 Annual Update
posted by Terry S. Singeltary Sr. at
4:51 PM
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