The first time CWD, wasting disease, was detected in Europe was in wild reindeer in Norway in 2016. The disease that affects the brain is fatal and extremely challenging to eradicate. And there are no treatments or vaccines that can slow the progression of animals that become infected.
But now a new research project in Norway offers some hope where breeding from animals with resistant genes can save the reindeer.
The project is financed by the Research Council of Norway and is led by Michael Andreas Tranulis, professor, at NMBU Veterinary School.
– This project will last for four years and we hope that it will significantly increase resistance to the disease among domestic reindeer in southern Norway, Tranulis tells NRK Sápmi.
Learned after the outbreak
He says that they already know a lot about the genetics that govern CWD and that the outbreak in 2016 where 2,200 wild reindeer were to be killed gave many answers about which animals are most sensitive.
– The purpose of the project is to remove them from breeding in domestic reindeer husbandry, so that they gradually gain increased resilience in their herds. This in turn will reduce the risk of the disease spreading in Norway because it is a disease that we are very afraid of.
– Fighting this disease and reducing the risk of spreading, that is something that must be a high priority. And that is what this project is about, he says.
Reindeer herders’ worries
Several reindeer herders are worried about contracting the deadly disease.
– If that happens, it is a complete disaster. It is a terrible disease and there is one hundred percent mortality in the animals that have developed it, says Dag Inge Bakke, chairman of Vågå Tamreinlag.
But they are positive about the research project and that the issue is taken very seriously.
– CWD is a disease that no one wants. We have been given some hope that it is possible to help protect oneself through genetic research. It’s something we welcome and want to be a part of, as the disease is big, he says.