US researchers have warned that a new disease, zombie deer disease also called Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is spreading among wildlife all over North America. However, the possibility lies that the disease could also spread to humans. The first case of zombie deer disease was detected in November in Yellowstone National Park. The disease leaves the animals drooling and confused. Across Wyoming, the disease could be found in 800 samples of moose, elk, and deer.
Fatality of CWD
CWD has been labeled as a “slow-moving disaster” by the experts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported the disease in the US in 31 states.
Dr. Cory Anderson, a CWD researcher told The Guardian, “The mad cow disease outbreak in Britain provided an example of how, overnight, things can get crazy when a spillover event happens from, say, livestock to people. We’re talking about the potential of something similar occurring. No one is saying that it’s going to happen, but people need to be prepared.”
The Researcher added that until now no preventive or treatment measures could be found to eradicate the disease. Neither the contaminated environment nor the infected animals could be treated for this disease. As per Fox News, no human infected with CWD could be found yet. However, studies have revealed that CWD, or zombie deer disease can be highly risky to monkeys that come in contact with infected bodily fluids or animal brains or feed on animal meat.
The CDC website states, “These studies raise concerns that there may also be a risk to people. Since 1997, the World Health Organization has recommended that it is important to keep the agents of all known prion diseases from entering the human food chain.”
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About Zombie Deer Disease
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is also called Zombie Deer Disease. It is a fatal and contagious illness that infects a bunch of animals including moose, reindeer, caribou, elk, and deer. This newly reported disease causes ultimate death after causing behavioral and physiological changes, and emaciation by accumulation of malformed protein(prion) in the brain. It can be directly transmitted from animal to animal contact or through contact with infected vegetation, soil, or feces.
