Chronic Wasting Disease: A Scientific Opinion from EFSA

Overview

The European Commission has requested a Scientific Opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids (deer, elk, moose, and reindeer). CWD is a fatal prion disease that affects the central nervous system of these animals.

Key Findings

EFSA's Scientific Opinion provides an updated assessment of the state of knowledge on CWD, including:

• A definition of CWD as any transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) that affects cervids.
• A description of the clinical signs and pathology of CWD.
• An assessment of the risk factors for CWD transmission.
• Recommendations for surveillance, control, and eradication of CWD.

Implications

EFSA's Scientific Opinion has important implications for the management of CWD in the European Union. The Opinion provides guidance on:

• How to prevent the introduction of CWD into the EU.
• How to control and eradicate CWD if it is introduced into the EU.
• How to protect human and animal health from CWD.