M. avium can affect all species of birds, as well as hogs and cattle. M. tuberculosis primarily affects humans but can also be transmitted to hogs, cattle, and dogs. First recognized as a clinical syndrome in 1967, it is typified by chronic weight loss leading to death. There is no known relationship between CWD and any other spongiform encephalopathy of animals or people. CSF was eradicated from the United States in 1978 after a 16 year effort by the industry and State and Federal governments.
Thoroughbred horses appear to be more severely affected by the disease than other breeds.
Because animals may be asymptomatic, the disease is difficult to detect and control. There is no evidence that CEM affects people. Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare disease that is spread to horses and humans by infected mosquitoes. It is among the most serious of a group of mosquito-borne virus diseases that can affect the central nervous system and cause severe complications and even death. Other similar diseases are western equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and LaCrosse encephalitis.