Project 1801: Identifying Current Scientific Knowledge about CWD Resistance in North American Elk, Whitetail Deer & Mule Deer
A comprehensive written report is being compiled that analyzes peer-reviewed studies to better understand what is scientifically known and/or accepted regarding specific alleles of the normal cellular prion protein, encoded by the PRNP gene, for North American Elk, Whitetail Deer and Mule Deer. The report shall attempt to answer the following questions:
- Relationships with susceptibility to Chronic Wasting Disease in North American Elk, Whitetail Deer and Mule Deer with specific alleles of the normal cellular prion protein, encoded by the PRNP gene.
- Known incubation periods in natural and experimental situations for all known genotypes of North American Elk, Whitetail Deer and Mule Deer.
- Understanding when the different genotypes and their exposure to CWD versus their time to become infected. Are certain genotypes less susceptible or is their disease progression slower?
- Understanding the differences between animals that become clinically CWD positive after shorter exposure times compared to animals with a prolonged incubation period.
- Estimated or known frequency of different genotypes of North American Elk , Whitetail Deer and Mule Deer in domesticated and free-ranging population.
- Known prion shedding that may take place by animals exposed to CWD with prolonged incubation periods. Understanding shedding in different stages of incubation periods.
- How different genotype animals have the opportunity to impact whether a herd becomes CWD positive? Particularly for known CWD positive states and provinces.
- What scientific shortfalls exist in understanding more about CWD resistance and where should future research be focused?
Link to Full Report
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