The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) has received the risk assessment of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) from The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety.
The risk assessment confirmes that CWD is considered a low threat to humans, but points out the severe consequences for cervids should the disease spread.
– It is now important to increase the extent of the sampling program for cervids as soon as possible so we get a better picture of how widespread CWD is, says Hilde Bremnes, director for animal health in NFSA.
The risk assessment provides us with a good overview, and will be used to assess any further action on our part. Our goal remains to hamper the spread of CWD, and the knowledge provided by the scientific committee is vital in achieving that.
The detection of CWD among cervids in Norway is of concern. CWD is easily transmitted among cervids and will have major consequences should it become widespred. One of the recommendations the scientific committee outlines is the importance of sampling. A sampling program in cooperation with Norwegian Environment Agency has already been initiated, and will be extended over the summer.
We are continually evaluating the needs for any other immediate measures.
At present (July 2016) 3 cases of CWD have been confirmed in Norway.
Source: mattilsynet.no / Norway Today
