chronic wasting disease

noun

veterinary medicine

: a progressive, fatal prion disease of deer, elk, and moose that is characterized by weight loss, tremors, lack of coordination, drooling, excessive thirst, and listlessness

Since it was first identified two decades ago in deer in Colorado, chronic wasting disease has spread to a dozen states (including New York) and two Canadian provinces.

—Sandra Blakeslee

Scientists have identified a handful of diseases caused by misfolded proteins called prions, including mad cow disease, scrapie in sheep, and chronic wasting disease in deer and elk.

—Nathan Seppa

—abbreviation CWD

Examples of chronic wasting disease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What Texas counties have chronic wasting disease cases? —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 5 June 2024

What are the visual signs of chronic wasting disease? —George Petras, USA TODAY, 29 Apr. 2024

It's been more than three years since the first case of chronic wasting disease popped up on Robert Williams' ranch in Hunt County. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 5 June 2024

In an abundance of caution to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease, 12 states prohibit the use of natural deer urine and permit only synthetic scents. —Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above