In a new report led by the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), experts warn of the potential risks and preparedness gaps that could arise from chronic wasting disease (CWD) possibly spreading from deer and other cervids to humans or farm animals. Despite no known cases of CWD in humans, the center underscores concerns over the probability of it happening due to increased disease prevalence and prion strain evolution.
The report titled "Chronic Wasting Disease Spillover Preparedness and Response: Charting an Uncertain Future," addresses these concerns by identifying shortcomings in current response efforts, such as uneven disease surveillance among states, and insufficient resources that would be problematic, should a spillover event take place. CIDRAP's director, Michael T. Osterholm, Ph.D., MPH emphasized, "concerns about a CWD prion spillover from cervids to other animal species and humans have only continued to grow in importance, and we're simply not prepared should a species jump occur," as per a statement obtained by the University of Minnesota.
To form the comprehensive analyses found in the report, 67 experts across various fields, including human and animal health, convened in five working groups, their work supported by a contract from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Recognizing the unique approach taken by CIDRAP, Russ Mason, Ph.D., and co-chair of the wildlife working group noted, "This is the first time in my experience that a multidisciplinary and truly One Health approach has been taken towards this disease," in a statement highlighted by the University of Minnesota's news release.
While the immediate risk of CWD transmission to humans or other animals remains low, Brian Appleby, MD and co-chair of the human medicine and public health working group cautions, "this may change over time due to variations in chronic wasting disease strains as it continues to spread, as well as the possibility of it infecting other animals in which transmission to humans may be more likely." The report itself offers nine recommendations aimed at shoring up these vulnerabilities, including the enhancement of research, management, and standardized disease surveillance efforts. Jason Bartz, Ph.D., and co-chair of the animal surveillance and response working group pointed out, "Thankfully, to date, chronic wasting disease has not transmitted to other species, including humans. As it is well documented that prions can evolve, this current state is not guaranteed."
Chronic wasting disease attacks the nervous system of cervids, resulting in weight loss, lack of coordination, and eventual death. Identified in 1967, CWD's reach has expanded to 35 U.S. states and several other countries. CIDRAP, as part of the Research and Innovation Office at the University of Minnesota, maintains a global leadership role in addressing public health preparedness and emerging infectious disease response, now shifting focus to include the looming threat of CWD spillover.d
