Cross-Species Transmission
At RML, studies are ongoing to understand the mechanisms by which TSE infections cross species. Experiments have demonstrated that species once thought to be resistant to certain TSE strains can be life-long carriers of the infection without ever becoming sick. RML scientists also are investigating whether CWD can be transmitted from deer or elk to other species after eating brain matter from deer or elk that are infected with CWD. That knowledge would provide valuable insight into whether this disease could possibly be transmitted to humans.