The sky ain't falling man.

CWD is not the same disease as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans.

CWD by its current name was first identified in the US in 1967, nearly 60 years ago. In all that time, there is no known case of CWD being transmitted to a human; although, science has speculated, that in theory, it may be possible. Not going to say it's not possible, but based on history, I like the statistical odds. That's not to say that it's not prudent to take precautions while harvesting and processing animals for consumption.

In Wisconsin, when first identified, the state tried the area herd reduction/elimination management route, it didn't work for various reasons and new areas of infestation occur even today despite all the state's efforts and regulations.

What is known about CWD:
1) an infected cervid will die within 24 months of being infected.
2) the most recognized transmission of CWD is by direct cervid' fluid contact.
3) infected cervids shed prions into the environment until death.
4) those shed prions can live for up to several decades in the environment, to be reintroduced to the cervid population through forage and soil.

It is obvious that based on what is known about the disease today, nothing short of an unified total scorched earth management policy over decades will eliminate the disease.

Will the cervids develope an immunity to the disease over time, we can only hope. But we must recognize that nature will always take care of itself, regardless of human interventions, one way or another.

ttt

So, what's everyone's thoughts. Has CDW been on earth longer than anyone knows and is on its 2nd, 3rd, etc go around, or????

Prions carried around the world on wind currents?

Any speculation?

I think it's nothing to worry about.

Aaron,
I think there is a possibility of a genetic alteration in deer over time. Nature has a way of correcting itself.

I'm definitely not a biologist. Only have an associate's degree in wildlife. The state hired me to collect samples for CWD two years ago after I retired from LE. I sampled Georgia's first positive. I have a strong and vested interest in deer management so this was right up my alley. I have dedicated some time to learn as much about CWD as I can and trying to seperate fact from fiction.

I was also chosen to be on the Statewide Deer Management Committee/Deer Disease Portion for some reason...lol