Chronic Wasting Disease Research at the USGS-Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit

Analysis of demographic patterns in CWD prevalence

Demographic analysis of CWD prevalence in the CWD disease eradication zone can be used to aid in the management of CWD and to help understand the epidemiology of this disease. We can identify which individuals are most likely to be infected and estimate rates of new infection. This can help us ask questions about how CWD is spreading and where to focus management efforts to most efficiently manage CWD. Analysis of the demographic patterns of prevalence from the first intensive harvest from the CWD eradication zone shows that males are more likely to be infected than females and, in both sexes, older individuals are more likely to be infected than younger individuals. In addition, while six fawns tested positive for CWD, the prevalence in fawns is so low that adults appear to be much more important in the maintenance and spread of CWD in Wisconsin. Former Student: Dan Grear

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