Calgary. Alta (Rural Roots Canada) — Researchers from the University of Calgary have found that animals infected with chronic wasting disease (CWD) may carry and transmit infectious prions to other species, without showing symptoms.

This new research study suggests that cross-species transmission may be more complex than previously thought in the agriculture sector, as livestock can harbour silent infections, making surveillance and disease monitoring more difficult for farm owners and researchers.

“These findings show that even without obvious symptoms, infectious prions can still be present and transmissible,” said Dr. Samia Hannaoui, researcher and assistant professor at UCalgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM).

Researchers highlight that prion diseases can exhibit complex, evolving behaviour, a trend that is becoming increasingly evident as more studies are conducted.

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Although CWD is a fatal prion disease affecting deer, elk, and other cervids, researchers say it is not an immediate risk to humans, and there are no confirmed cases of CWD in humans.

Even with no current risk to humans, CWD is becoming more widespread. As the disease continues to have a larger impact on animals, understanding it is becoming increasingly important.

“This work highlights the complexity of prion diseases, including the possibility of low-level or silent infections. As prions move between hosts, they can change in ways that are still not fully understood,” said Dr. Hermann Shaetzl, researcher and professor at the UCalgary UCVM.

As the disease continues to expand across North America, researchers say ongoing surveillance and research are essential. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.