Expert warns of rising risk of CWD transmission to humans.
The University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy has received over $1.5 million in state funding to prepare for the possibility of chronic wasting disease (CWD) spreading to cows, pigs, and humans. While transmission to humans has not yet been confirmed, research suggests it is increasingly likely as the disease continues to spread among deer and elk. CWD is a prion disease that involves misfolded proteins in the brain, making it hardy and easy to spread. Current testing can only be done if animals die or are killed, and there aren't yet adequate tests for humans. The University is working with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and deer hunters to maximize testing and minimize the spread of the disease.