Risk-based surveillance of chronic wasting disease in semi-domestic reindeer

Reindeer pastoralism is a widespread practise across Fennoscandia and Russia. An outbreak of chronic wasting disease (CWD) among wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) poses a severe threat to the semi-domestic reindeer herding culture. Establishing surveillance is therefore key, but current models for surveillance of CWD are designed for wild cervids and rely on samples obtained from recreational hunters. Targeting animal groups with a higher infection probability is often used for more efficient disease surveillance. CWD has a long incubation period of 2–3 years, and the animals show clinical signs in the later stages of the infection i.e. 1 Chronic wasting disease (CWD) Disease management Freedom from infection Policy Proactive management Prion protein gene (PRNP)