Introduction
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been diagnosed in mule deer, whit-tailed deer and elk; in limited areas of the Western United States, Canada and animals exported from those areas. CWD is typified by chronic weight loss leading to eventual death.
Much is stillunkown about CWD, though animals are usually three to four years old before clinical signs appear. Cases have been recorded involving animals from 18 months up to 13 years of age. It is a neurological disease involving possible changes in mental state, abnormalities of posture and weight loss. The clinical disease usually lasts for several weeks and it is characteristically progressive and fatal.
For more information, please refer to the advisory notes.