2024-02-20 20:30:02
The poor animals affected look like zombies. | Ari Koess via Pexels
In North America, a pathology is spreading across prairies and forests: chronic wasting disease (CWD), more commonly known as “zombie deer disease.” This condition affecting deer is increasingly worrying scientists and environmental defenders, explains Science Alert.
This disease Neurological is characterized by many behavioral disorders of the animal such as drooling, lethargy, blank stare and stumbling. Hence its nickname, because of the zombie-like appearance of the poor animals affected. In Wyoming, more than 800 affected deer and elk have been detected, showing the scale of the problem. Specialists explain that those responsible for this epidemic are let’s prayof the proteins naturally present in the body but which, when misfolded, can lead to neurological degeneration.
The specter of human transmission
Prion diseases, such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer, are of particular concern because they are very resistant. The spread of encephalopathy (deterioration of brain function) in deer poses significant risks toecology and, potentially, for health human. “Although there is no conclusive evidence that chronic wasting disease can directly infect humans, this possibility remains a matter of concern,” notes Science Alert. For example, mad cow disease, which has affected Britain since 1995, has led to the slaughter of millions of cattle and 178 human deaths.
Despite the absence of cases of human CWD, scientists’ concerns persist because studies have demonstrated that human cells can be infected, under laboratory conditions. Additionally, direct transmission is not the only threat. THE humans can…
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