Which disease is known to cause chronic wasting in deer?

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects deer and other members of the cervid family, such as elk and moose. It is caused by abnormal prion proteins that lead to damage in brain tissue, resulting in severe weight loss, behavioral changes, and ultimately death. The disease is characterized by long incubation periods, and affected animals exhibit symptoms such as weight loss, staggering, listlessness, and lack of coordination. The designation "chronic wasting" comes from the gradual decline in the animal's health over time, ultimately leading to a wasting condition.

CWD is significant not only for its impact on deer populations but also for wildlife management and ecological health. Understanding this disease is crucial for both wildlife conservation efforts and the management of deer hunting, as it can have economic implications for those who rely on deer populations for hunting or wildlife tourism.

Regarding the other diseases listed, avian influenza primarily affects birds; duck virus hepatitis is specific to ducks and is not associated with deer; and equine herpes virus-1 affects horses, not cervids. Therefore, the association of chronic wasting with deer is clear and distinct among the options provided.