Tick-Borne Transmission of Chronic Wasting Disease in Wisconsin Deer

A study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests that ticks may play a role in spreading chronic wasting disease (CWD) among deer in Wisconsin. The research found that ticks can harbor and transmit the prion responsible for CWD, potentially infecting other animals. The study also highlights the importance of land stewardship in managing tick populations and suggests that ticks could be used as a screening tool for CWD in deer populations. However, further research is needed to determine if prion-carrying ticks actually cause transmission to other deer.