Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 42(3), 2006, pp. 640-645
1 Wyoming Game and Fish Department, 2362
Highway 34, Wheatland, Wyoming 82201, USA;
2 Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
82071, USA
3 Corresponding author (email:
tkreeger@wildblue.net
)
ABSTRACT:
Three captive Shira’s moose (Alces alces shirasi) were orally inoculated
with a single dose (5 g) of whole-brain homogenate prepared from chronic
wasting disease (CWD)–affected mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). All moose
died of causes thought to be other than CWD. Histologic examination of one
female moose dying 465 days postinoculation revealed spongiform change in
the neuropil, typical of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy.
Immunohistochemistry staining for the proteinase-resistant isoform of the
prion protein was observed in multiple lymphoid and nervous tissues. Western
blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays provided additional confirmation
of CWD. These results represent the first report of experimental CWD in
moose.
http://www.jwildlifedis.org/cgi/content/abstract/42/3/640