Author(s):
Gonçalves-Anjo, Nuno ; Pereira, Jorge C. ; Machado, Ana ; Saianda, Mafalda ; Bastos, Estela ; Orge, Leonor ; Rocha, Sara ; Figueira, Luís ; Matos, Ana Cristina ; Silva, João ; Mendonça, Paula ; Carvalho, Paulo ; Tavares, Paula ; Lima, Carla ; Alves, Anabela ; Esteves, Alexandra ; Pinto, Maria de Lurdes ; Pires, Isabel ; Gama, Adelina ; Sargo, Roberto ; Silva, Filipe ; Seixas, Fernanda ; Pinto, Madalena Vieira ; Pires, Maria dos Anjos
Date: 2022
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.11/8750
Origin: Repositório Científico do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco
Subject(s): Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies; Chronic Wasting Disease; Roe deer
Description
Among the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in cervids is now the rising concern in wildlife within Europe after the first case detected in Norway in 2016. CWD shows a notable horizontal transmission, affecting both free-ranging and captive cervids. Furthermore, several genetic variants in the Prion Protein (PRNP) gene coding sequence of the cervid were identified, which increase the susceptibility to the disease. Roe deer has a widespread geographical distribution which extends from the Iberian Peninsula to the north of Scandinavia, being found as well in Turkey, Israel, and Jordan. In recent centuries, a significant number of fluctuations have occurred in these deer populations, leading to a decline in deer population and distribution. These alterations combined with translocations of animals of the same species, can drive to meaningful consequences on the genetic structure, diversity, and fitness of populations.
