The University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) has released a comprehensive report on preparedness and response gaps for chronic wasting disease (CWD) spillover to farm animals or humans. The report highlights the importance of improved disease surveillance, public and animal health agency coordination, and dedicated research funding.
The study found that current CWD response efforts are constrained by inconsistent disease surveillance among states and limited resources. Experts warn that a potential CWD spillover could lead to significant health and economic consequences if not prepared for.
CIDRAP convened 67 experts from the US and internationally to develop the report, which identifies nine recommendations to improve CWD research, surveillance, and response. These include cultivating dedicated funding for CWD research, strengthening partnerships among wildlife managers, agricultural experts, and human health providers, and expanding standardizing disease surveillance through prion strain typing.
Experts emphasize that while there is currently no evidence of human CWD transmission, the risk of spillover cannot be ruled out due to the evolving nature of CWD strains. The report’s lead author, Michael T. Osterholm, notes that the US is not prepared for a potential CWD spillover and urges agencies to take immediate action to enhance preparations.
The report is the first of its kind to explore the potential for CWD spillover and mitigation of related health and economic consequences through a multidisciplinary approach. Experts hope that this effort will inform policy decisions and improve CWD response efforts nationwide.
Source: https://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/livestock-management/researchers-prepare-for-potential-chronic-waste-disease-spillover-to-livestock-humans