A Live Test for Chronic Wasting Disease Shows Promise

[mike rossi]

A Live Test for Chronic Wasting Disease Shows Promise
Biopsies of the rectal mucosa of live female elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) accurately detect chronic wasting disease (CWD) 72 to 85 percent of the time, according to a study by Ryan Monello of the National Park Service and other colleagues. In order to develop better CWD treatments, researchers need to observe the disease’s progression in live animal systems. Therefore, tests that diagnose live animals at all stages of the disease’s progression must be developed. Current detection methods, including biopsies of brain or pharyngeal lymph nodes, can only be performed on dead animals. The researchers compared levels of an abnormal prion protein associated with CWD in rectal mucosal samples that can be collected from live animals to those in lymph nodes samples from euthanized animals. In the early stages of the disease, the rectal mucosal samples of infected animals contained prion protein levels similar to those in lymph nodes 72 percent of the time. In the later stages of the disease, this number increased to 85 percent. The researchers conclude that the test could be used to detect CWD in live animals, but caution that CWD-positive animals in the early stages of infection may be missed.

[landtracdeerhunter]

CWD continues in many areas throughout the country. This is great news for future reseach and possible treatment. It's rarely mentioned in NY. anymore, ( intrest in this forum even proves) although I'm not convinced, it's totally elimated. To assume that would be premature.

Edited June 15, 2013 by landtracdeerhunter

[mike rossi]

CWD continues in many areas throughout the country. This is great news for future reseach and possible treatment. It's rarely mentioned in NY. anymore, ( intrest in this forum even proves) although I'm not convinced, it's totally elimated. To assume that would be premature.

Of all the states which have seen cwd, NY is the only state that claims it is eradicated.