Understanding and Containing Chronic Wasting Disease
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a contagious and fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting cervids (deer, elk, caribou, and moose) that is threatening the health and sustainability of cervid populations across North America. CWD is caused by misfolded proteins known as prions, which can be transmitted by direct contact or environmental exposure.
The USGS National Wildlife Health Center conducts research and provides scientific support to help wildlife managers and decision-makers address CWD. Our work advances diagnostic methods, disease surveillance, epidemiologic and ecological understanding, risk assessment, and practical decision-support tools.
How does CWD impact hunting?
Cervids are central to healthy ecosystems, cultural traditions, subsistence and recreational hunting, and local economies across North America. In the United States, big-game hunting generates an estimated \$45.2 billion in annual hunter expenditures and provides a major source of revenue for many state wildlife agencies. In areas where CWD has become established, infection prevalence can exceed 30% in some local populations, with potential consequences for population dynamics, the number of mature animals, hunting opportunities, and community economies.
What is known about CWD and human health?
No cases of CWD infection in people have been confirmed. Public-health agencies recommend that hunters follow local testing and carcass-disposal guidance and avoid consuming meat from animals that test positive for CWD.
What questions remain about CWD?
CWD continues to expand geographically and increase in prevalence. Important questions remain about how CWD spreads, persists in the environment, affects cervid populations, and can be managed most effectively.
Explore the projects below to learn how NWHC science is helping partners detect, understand, and respond to CWD.
Use of RT-QuIC in CWD Management
Incineration to Inactivate CWD Prions
Assess and Predict hunter responses to CWD in Wisconsin
A systems approach to CWD Management
Tracking Chronic Wasting Disease Strains
Understanding Hunter Behavior
Chronic Wasting Disease