Impact of Chronic Wasting Disease management in Illinois free ranging white-tailed deer
Nohra Mateus-Pinilla, PhD
Illinois Natural History Survey
Department of Pathobiology
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Chronic wasting disease is a highly contagious neurodegenerative disease of cervids caused by the infectious protein PrPSc, first identified in Illinois free-ranging white-tailed deer (WTD) in 2002. The disease progression is slow and 100% fatal. For 16 years, Illinois has used immunohistochemistry to detect PrPSc in retropharyngeal lymph nodes and obex. Our research team holds a state-wide collaboration between hunters, landowners, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Using our tissue bank and 16 years of surveillance and management data we evaluate: 1) WTD gene flow, 2) the relation between CWD and the geographic distribution of PRNP protein variants, 3) the reproductive characteristics of WTD, and 4) the impact of management on the outbreak of CWD in Illinois. Illinois CWD management uses a decrease in the deer population density and the number of infected deer in CWD infected areas. The slow occurrence of new cases in new counties remains an ongoing challenge. Nevertheless, the state of Illinois conducts a nationally recognized CWD management program keeping CWD prevalence rates between 1-2% and protecting the health of the remaining WTD herd.
Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 12:00 PM
2506 Veterinary Medicine Basic Sciences Building
2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana
For more information contact the Department of Pathobiology at 217-333-2449.
