I believe the prions are mainly in the brain matter, which is where it will eventually infect all animals brains, it doesn't, as far as i know infect the meat of the animal that consumed the prions. I did a post on the Michigan thread discussing prions in cows and humans, some cows, who were feed ground up dead animals where infected and became sick, same with humans who were infected by consuming flesh that was contaminated with the brain organ. Brain is full of nutrients and human cannibalism especially the brain is the greatest honor to those who consume it.
So as far as what I have read about prions and how they are spread where from direct contact of the brain matter contaminating the meat that was handled after contact with the brain. Perhaps there is more deer research that has been done but prions in cattle and humans has been studied extensively.
And to add biologist do not know with any certainty if prions are infected with the dirt, feces, or saliva, it's only speculation since being able to infect another animal with in a controlled environment was only done with a sample size that a normal animal in the real world would never see.
To think cwd is a joke that's a fallacy it's real just like covid virus is real, the problem is with the lack of new research into the prions and deer. Though a controversial topic on high fence conservation, which to some could be a oxymoron, don't understand that sportsman and land owners in some states have taken cwd prevention into their own hands, that's becuase they have stopped relying on the government for answers and taken things into their own hands in trying to stop the spread of the prions. Again this brings up more questions in answers especially if those who are unaware of the prions themselves.
At 3 hours 35 minutes Dr. Tracey Nichols comes on. At hour 4, you want to hear this. At 4:28 the chairman refers to the $12 million in funding.
Let me know what you think