Systems Biology and Molecular Ecology of Chronic Wasting Disease

Prion diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE aka “mad cow disease”), human forms (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) and chronic wasting disease (CWD), a contagious prion disease of deer, elk and moose, are slowly-progressing, fatal, brain-destroying diseases. Since 1967, CWD has spread from Colorado to 24 US states, Alberta and Saskatchewan (with adjacent BC, Manitoba and the Yukon at risk). Europe (Norway) reported its first case of CWD in a reindeer in April 2016. CWD is spreading throughout Canada, and could infect and kill many of our ~2 million cervids. This would affect those who rely on cervids for food and culture, affect ecosystems and biodiversity, and hurt our reputation as a wildlife destination. Among the major challenges: the rate/method of infection/spread is not fully known nor is the risk of contagion to humans and other mammals; therefore, management strategies lack the information necessary to be effective. Instead, we now have a critical window of opportunity to direct mitigation efforts to where they are needed in a timely way.We will develop tools to test strains of CWD, to test cervids and their environment, to model spatial risk and predict spread, and to assemble information kits for direct use by Canadians. Collectively, these tools will provide an unprecedented “early detection/rapid response” approach for use by hunters and First Nations and by managers to promote effective surveillance and management strategies.