Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in British Columbia Raises Concerns
The first cases of chronic wasting disease in British Columbia have been confirmed, prompting urgent calls for action to prevent its spread and potential impact on human health.
- Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a deadly neurodegenerative disease affecting deer, elk, moose, and other cervids, has been detected for the first time in British Columbia.
- The disease is caused by misfolded proteins called prions, leading to brain damage in infected animals. While there is currently no evidence of CWD transmission to humans, the possibility remains a concern.
- British Columbia has initiated a surveillance program to detect and manage CWD, emphasizing the need for rapid, collective action across sectors to curb its spread.
- CWD can spread between animals through contact with bodily fluids, and its prions can persist in the environment for years, complicating management efforts.
- The spread of CWD poses significant ecological and potentially human health risks, underscoring the urgency of implementing effective management strategies.
NDTV 
The Conversation 