Experimental oral transmission of chronic wasting disease to red deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus): Early detection and late stage distribution of protease-resistant prion protein.

The article discusses the experimental transmission of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in red deer. The animals were euthanized and tested using 3 conventional immunological assays as well as mild to moderate neurological signs, weight loss and post-inoculation at 18-20 months were investigated. It indicates that tissues used for CWD diagnosis show strong abnormal prion (PrP^CWD) accumulation, and determines that red deer are susceptible to oral challenge.