Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the etiology, diagnosis, clinical signs, and management of Chronic Wasting Disease based on lecture notes.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD)

A prion disease affecting white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and recently Canadian moose, characterized by weight loss, neurologic signs, and behavior changes.

Etiology of CWD

Mis-folded versions of normal cellular prion proteins, denoted as $PrPCWD$, which are very resistant to destruction.

Aspiration pneumonia in CWD

A clinical outcome in affected animals caused by esophageal dysfunction.

CWD Susceptibility Age

Adults older than $16$ months.

ELISA

The method used as a screening test to detect prion protein in suspected CWD cases.

IHC or Western blot

The methods used to confirm a CWD diagnosis after a screening test.

Obex

The specific part of the brainstem sampled along with lymphoid tissues for CWD testing in deer and elk.

Retropharyngeal lymph node

A mandatory tissue submission for CWD testing in white-tailed deer and mule deer, where prions are often seen before reaching the CNS.

CWD Prevention and Control

Includes quarantine, test and cull procedures, incineration for disposal, and use of approved disinfectants.

Horizontal transmission

The spread of CWD via direct contact between animals or through the environment.

Heat resistance of $PrP$

The fact that cooking DOES NOT destroy the prion protein, serving as a warning to hunters.