Dangerous deer disease could spread to humans soon

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A recent report from the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy highlights growing concerns about chronic wasting disease (CWD) potentially crossing over from deer to humans.

The study, released this month, identifies significant gaps in preparedness and response capabilities regarding CWD, a deadly neurodegenerative condition affecting cervids such as deer, elk, and moose.

Scientists explain that the disease stems from prions, which are proteins that cause normal brain proteins to fold abnormally. These infectious proteins spread through bodily fluids, contaminating both other animals and the environment, including soil and vegetation.

First Positive Case of Chronic Wasting Disease Confirmed In Georgia Thursday, January 23, 2025, 14:30 pm
The sample was taken from a two-and-a-half-year-old male white-tailed deer harvested on private property. https://t.co/NrXjVme1EE

— Terry Singeltary (@SingeltaryTerry) January 24, 2025

According to Michael Osterholm, director of infectious disease research at the University of Minnesota, there’s evidence suggesting the disease may have already crossed species barriers.

“We have some limited data now suggesting that feral pigs might be infected,” he said.

“Well, if they can get infected, surely as possible domestic swine could also become infected,” the researcher continued. “What would that do to the swine market? What would that do to the cattle market? These are huge issues.”

The research emphasizes that broader transmission of CWD poses substantial risks. “The continued spread of CWD and environmental contamination increase the risk of exposure and spillover to other wildlife, livestock, and humans,” the document noted. “Emerging prion strains with a greater propensity for cross-species transmission could heighten these concerns.”

Such a spillover could significantly impact food security, economic stability, international trade, and agricultural systems.

Osterholm expressed particular concern about human exposure through contaminated venison. “We know that people are being exposed through consumption with prions,” he told MPR News.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources confirmed Thursday that a hunter-harvested deer has tested positive for the state’s first identified case of the deadly Chronic Wasting Disease.https://t.co/yRCM7eq8AO

— GPB News (@gpbnews) January 26, 2025

He further questioned: “What we don’t yet understand is what would it take for that prion to actually infect that human with ingestion?”

The disease, first detected in 1967 in a captive mule deer in Colorado, typically falls under wildlife agency jurisdiction. With no available vaccines or treatments, management efforts concentrate on containment.

“Thus, CWD is likely to become endemic in more areas over time as the agent is introduced to new areas where cervids are present,” the report continued.

It adds: “Because cervids are widespread on every continent except Antarctica, CWD poses a significant global threat.”