What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?
CWD is a fatal brain and nervous system disease of deer and elk. CWD is caused by an abnormally shaped protein called a prion, which can damage brain and nerve tissue. The disease has been found in certain parts of North America and is likely transmitted by animal-to-animal contact and/or contamination of the habitat by a diseased animal.
What are the symptoms of CWD?
Infected deer and elk show progressive weight loss and behavioral changes. As the disease progresses, infected animals become emaciated (thus “wasting” disease). Other signs include staggering, consuming large amounts of water, drooling, and excessive urination. If you see a deer showing these signs or acting strangely, contact the local Minnesota Department of Natural Resources office.
Is CWD transmissible to humans?
There is no evidence CWD can be transmitted to humans. Epidemiologists with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found no evidence that prion-related disease in humans occurs more often in hunters and consumers of wild game than in the general population. More than 16 years of monitoring in affected areas of Colorado found no CWD-related disease in people living there. Ongoing public health surveillance is important to fully assess the potential risk.
Is it safe to eat venison?
Officials are not recommending any general restrictions on consumption of deer meat. However, as a precaution, it is prudent to avoid the tissue where the prions accumulate. Those tissues include deer and elk brains, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, tonsils, and lymph nodes.
Has CWD ever been found in Minnesota? What about other places?
In 2002, CWD was discovered in two captive elk in Central Minnesota. The disease has not been found in wild deer in Minnesota.
| Places where CWD had been found in elk and/or deer as of 9/2003 |
Wild |
Captive |
| Colorado |
Yes |
Yes |
| Illinois |
Yes |
No |
| Kansas |
No |
Yes |
| Minnesota |
No |
Yes |
| Montana |
No |
Yes |
| Nebraska |
Yes |
Yes |
| New Mexico |
Yes |
No |
| Oklahoma |
No |
Yes |
| South Dakota |
Yes |
Yes |
| Utah |
Yes |
No |
| Wisconsin |
Yes |
Yes |
| Wyoming |
Yes |
Yes |
| Alberta, Canada |
No |
Yes |
| Saskatchewan, Canada |
Yes |
Yes |
What is being done in Minnesota to monitor wild and captive deer and elk herds for CWD?
In 2002, over 4,000 wild deer and over 1,000 captive deer/elk were tested for CWD. Extensive testing of wild deer and captive deer and elk is planned for 2003.
What precautionary steps should hunters take when field dressing deer or handling meat?
Although there is no evidence that CWD is a human health risk, it is best to avoid unnecessary contact with deer or elk brain, tonsils, spleen, spinal cord and lymph glands - the parts of a deer in which CWD-causing prions accumulate. Good field-dressing technique is important and should be used regardless, as other known potential foodborne hazards can be prevented through proper meat handling practices. This includes using disposable rubber gloves to minimize tissue contact with tissue that could harbor the CWD prion.
What precautionary steps should meat processors take when handling deer and elk meat products?
 Minimize handling of the brain, tonsils, spleen, spinal cord and lymph glands. Meat should be processed without splitting the backbone. All cuts used in steaks and chops can be removed from the carcass as boneless cuts. Designate one knife or handsaw to be used only for head removal only. Inspect all met trimmings and remove all lymph glands before grinding and sausage making. Thoroughly clean and sanitize knives, saws, grinders and other meat-cutting tools. All equipment must be completely disassembled and all meat scraps removed. Wash equipment parts with a detergent specifically designed for cleaning meat equipment. Rinse equipment with clean water, and follow with a chemical sanitizer or with water heated to 180°F and allow to air dry. These sound sanitation practices also protect against known food safety concerns.
How is CWD diagnosed?
CWD is diagnosed with microscopic examination of brain and lymphoid tissue.
How should I dispose of the bones and offal from my deer?
Bones and offal can be disposed through rendering, burial, incineration or landfill.
What precautions should taxidermist take when handling the head?
Common-sense precautions should be applied to all taxidermy work. Minimize handling of the brain, tonsils, and other organs in the head. Wear disposable gloves when handling these items. Tools used in taxidermy work should be cleaned and sanitized after each use.
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