Zombie Deer Disease Sparks Concerns Over Human Infection
The recent spread of “zombie deer disease,” officially known as chronic wasting disease (CWD), has raised alarm among scientists, who fear that it may eventually evolve to infect humans. The disease was first confirmed in Yellowstone National Park late last year, and since then, cases have been reported in deer, elk, and moose in 33 U.S. states, as well as in Canada, Norway, and South Korea.
CWD is a highly contagious disease that causes damage to the brain and results in the progressive loss of body condition, behavioral changes, excessive salivation, and ultimately death. It is 100% fatal, with no known treatments or vaccines. Experts warn that if the disease were to jump to humans, the consequences could be devastating, as there are currently no contingency plans in place.
While there have been no known cases of CWD in humans so far, scientists point out that another prion disease, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as Mad Cow Disease, successfully crossed the transmission barrier from animals to humans. During the BSE crisis, contaminated meat or food products transmitted BSE to humans, resulting in a new form of prion disease called variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
The concern now is that CWD could also evolve to be transmissible from person to person. Researchers have conducted experiments using “humanized” mouse models, injecting CWD isolates from infected deer into the mice. The results showed that the mice developed CWD and shed infectious prions in their feces, indicating the potential for human transmission.
This raises serious questions about the safety of consuming infected venison. Currently, there are no reported cases of CWD in humans, despite an estimated 15,000 infected deer and elk being consumed each year. However, the possibility of mutation cannot be ruled out.
Given these developments, the implications of CWD evolving to infect humans are significant. The lack of preparedness and contingency plans highlighted by experts is particularly concerning. Without proper measures in place to address the potential spread of the disease, we could find ourselves in a dire situation if a spillover event were to occur.
This alarming situation highlights the need for increased vigilance and awareness regarding emerging diseases and their potential impacts on human health. As the world becomes more interconnected, the risk of infectious diseases spreading across species boundaries becomes greater. It is crucial for governments, health organizations, and researchers to collaborate and develop comprehensive strategies to detect and respond to such threats.
In light of this ongoing public health concern, it is essential for individuals to stay informed about the latest developments and take precautions when consuming wild game. While there is currently no evidence of human infection, it is always prudent to exercise caution and follow recommended guidelines for food safety.
As we continue to learn more about CWD and its potential for human transmission, it is imperative that research efforts are intensified to develop effective treatments and preventive measures. Only through proactive measures and collaboration can we hope to