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Chronic Wasting Disease: A Case Study

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In the early stages of infection, animals do not show any symptoms of Chronic Wasting Disease (Rembert, 2014). In fact, most deer with Chronic Wasting Disease do not appear to be sick (Rembert, 2014). The incubation period can range from one to five years (Rembert, 2014). In later stages, infected animals begin to display abnormal behavior such as staggering, carrying their heads and ears lower, drooling, not showing fear of humans, and an exaggerated wide posture (Rembert, 2014). Sick animals may have poor hair coats and appear emaciated or starving - thus the name wasting disease (Rembert, 2014). Clinical symptoms are typically not seen in deer less than 16 months of age (Rembert, 2014). Some CWD symptoms may also be characteristic of diseases or conditions other than CWD (Rembert, 2014). For a tested animal to become infected, examinations of the brain and lymph nodes must be tested by researchers or animal scientists. However, no animal may be live-tested; and, unfortunately for the deer, an animal infected by the virus will be terminated (Advice on Contaminants in Game, 2014). If an animal possibly has CWD, citizens must not attempt to kill, dispose, or threaten the animal by any means. He or she …show more content…

Cervids are any animals that grow a bone antler that will be shed year by year (American Heritage Dictionary, 2015). Evidence shows humans have not contracted this TSE in any known cases, thus far.. Standard personal safety procedures apply when cleaning and cutting these cervid carcasses (Mulhollem, J, 2012). Rubber gloves, soap and water, and good cleanliness should be standard practices with all wildlife kills. Avoiding the brain, spinal cord, and major nerves should be a standard practice for all wild game processors. After cleaning is all done carcasses should be buried with the correct method. Humans have not contracted CWD, and they must continue to take precautions to make sure they never

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