What are the clinical signs of CWD?
The clinical signs of CWD include emaciation, excessive salivation, behavioral changes (i.e., loss of fear of humans), ataxia, drooping of head and ears, weakness, bugged-out eyes, and increased thirst and urination. Clinical signs may last for weeks to months before the animal dies, with most elk succumbing in less than 12 months. At death, other signs noted will be generalized absence of subcutaneous and visceral fat, serious atrophy of the bone marrow, and a dry, rough hair coat.
