Which disease is critical to test for in harvested deer?

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is critical to test for in harvested deer due to its nature as a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) that affects the nervous system of deer and other cervids. CWD is particularly concerning because it is always fatal, and there is currently no known cure or vaccine for the disease. The disease is caused by prions, which are abnormal proteins that induce abnormal folding of normal proteins in the brain, leading to serious neurological symptoms, weight loss, and eventually death of the animal.

CWD poses a significant risk to deer populations, and surveillance and testing are vital for managing its spread. By testing for CWD, hunters and wildlife management authorities can monitor and control the disease in deer populations, which helps protect not only the health of the deer but also the health of ecosystems and hunting opportunities.

The other diseases mentioned, while relevant to wildlife health, are not as critical to monitor specifically in deer as CWD. For example, Lyme disease primarily affects humans and is transmitted by ticks rather than directly through deer. Brucellosis, although serious, is more commonly associated with livestock and has different implications for hunting deer. West Nile virus is typically a concern for birds and humans rather than