BSE vs. CWD: Similarities and Differences Between Two Prion Diseases

Both are transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) caused by prions, but differ in host, epidemiology, and zoonotic potential.

Similarities

• Prion etiology (PrP^Sc conversion of PrP^C).
• Oral transmission primary route.
• Long incubation (years–decades).
• Spongiform neurodegeneration, fatal.
• No treatment, no vaccine.
• Environmental persistence.

Key Differences

Public Health

BSE→vCJD proven. CWD→human not documented but CDC recommends testing harvested cervids in endemic areas and not consuming positive animals. Species barrier studies ongoing.

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Feature	BSE (Cattle)	CWD (Cervids)
Primary host	Cattle	Deer, elk, moose, reindeer
Origin	Feed contamination (MBM)	Spontaneous? Environmental? Unknown.
Transmission efficiency	Low (feed-mediated)	High (direct, environmental, saliva/feces)
Zoonotic	Yes → vCJD	Not proven; experimental concern
PrPSc distribution	CNS, distal ileum, tonsil	Widespread: lymphoid, muscle, fat, antler velvet, saliva, feces, urine
Control	Feed ban, SRM removal → near eradication	Difficult: environmental, free-ranging; culling, movement bans