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. 2019 Oct 2:10:123-139.
doi: 10.2147/VMRR.S197404. eCollection 2019.

Chronic Wasting Disease In Cervids: Prevalence, Impact And Management Strategies

Nelda A Rivera  1 , Adam L Brandt  2 , Jan E Novakofski  3 , Nohra E Mateus-Pinilla  1
Affiliations

Chronic Wasting Disease In Cervids: Prevalence, Impact And Management Strategies

Nelda A Rivera et al. Vet Med (Auckl). .

Abstract

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) that affects members of the cervidae family. The infectious agent is a misfolded isoform (PrPSC) of the host prion protein (PrPC). The replication of PrPSC initiates a cascade of developmental changes that spread from cell to cell, individual to individual, and that for some TSEs, has crossed the species barrier. CWD can be transmitted horizontally and vertically, and it is the only TSE that affects free-ranging wildlife. While other TSEs are under control and even declining, infection rates of CWD continue to grow and the disease distribution continues to expand in North America and around the world. Since the first reported case in 1967, CWD has spread infecting captive and free-ranging cervids in 26 states in the US, 3 Canadian provinces, 3 European countries and has been found in captive cervids in South Korea. CWD causes considerable ecologic, economic and sociologic impact, as this is a 100% fatal highly contagious infectious disease, with no treatment or cure available. Because some TSEs have crossed the species barrier, the zoonotic potential of CWD is a concern for human health and continues to be investigated. Here we review the characteristics of the CWD prion protein, mechanisms of transmission and the role of genetics. We discuss the characteristics that contribute to prevalence and distribution. We also discuss the impact of CWD and review the management strategies that have been used to prevent and control the spread of CWD.

Keywords: CWD; PRNP; PrPC; PrPSC; TSE; prion.

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Conflict of interest statement

Nelda A Rivera and Nohra E Mateus-Pinilla report grants from the US Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Project (W-146-R) during the conduct of the study. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Characteristics of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases. Notes: Conformational changes of the host prion protein structure, from α-helices in the normal cell-surface glycoprotein (PrPC) to β-sheets in the misfolded isoform (PrPSC). Data from Doherr (2007), Prusiner (1998), Novakofski et al (2005), Image credit to Kerry L. Helms, Scientific Illustrator (Public domain). Abbreviations: PrPC, the host prion protein; PrPSC, the misfolded isoform of the host prion protein.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Reported distribution of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in North America. By 2019, 26 states and 3 Canadian provinces have reported CWD cases in captive and free-ranging cervid populations. Notes: Credit to Bryan Richards, USGS National Wildlife Health Center (Public domain).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Chronological identification of CWD in cervid species. Notes: Data from Haley and Hoover (2015), Benestad and Telling (2018), Ricci et al (2017), Chronic Wasting disease Alliance.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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