Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a prion disease affecting cervids (deer, elk, moose etc.), first detected in the 1960s. Since then, CWD has been identified in 35 different US states and 5 Canadian provinces. This fatal disease has spread aggressively in wild cervid populations, in part due to its ability to cause long-term infectious contamination in soil, plants and water sources. Vaccination is the most effective tool for control of infectious diseases in animals and humans. While the development of a prion vaccine is challenging, significant work has been conducted by researchers at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), resulting in a promising vaccine reaching  efficacy trials.

In collaboration with VIDO, OHMT is working on field experimental trials to determine best methods for delivery of an oral vaccine to cervids. This includes testing deer feeding preferences (May 2025-Aug 2025 and ongoing) followed by engineering of a delivery solution to solve any identified issues, such as maintenance of vaccine stability at delivery sites, and ability to limit vaccine access to non-target species and return animals. 

Is CWD an issue you are passionate about? This project has multiple opportunities for citizen science and volunteer involvement. Contact us today to learn more.