Zombie deer’ disease: Key facts on nationwide spread
Concerns Rise Over Spread of “Zombie Disease” from Deer to Humans
There is growing concern among epidemiologists that chronic wasting disease (CWD), also known as “zombie disease,” may have the ability to transmit from deer to humans. However, public health agencies remain cautiously optimistic.
“We’re dealing with a disease that is invariably fatal, incurable, and highly contagious,” warns Cory Anderson, an epidemiologist at the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.
CWD affects various animals such as deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer, and moose, and has been detected in North America, northern Europe, and Asia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The symptoms of CWD, including severe weight loss and neurological issues, can take over a year to manifest. Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment or vaccine available for animals affected by the disease.
Since the first case of CWD was discovered in Yellowstone National Park in November, ecologists and epidemiologists have been sounding the alarm. The disease has now spread to 31 states, including Virginia and Maryland.
Public health officials are increasingly concerned about the rise of zoonotic pathogens, which can be transmitted from animals to humans. As human settlements and agricultural activities encroach upon animal habitats, the risk of exposure to infected animals becomes greater.
The World Health Organization classifies CWD in the same category as scrapie disease in sheep and goats, as well as bovine spongiform encephalopathies (Mad Cow Disease), as they all produce similar symptoms.
In 1996, the WHO reported the first case of Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), a rare and fatal neurodegenerative condition with symptoms similar to CWD and Mad Cow Disease. vCJD is strongly linked to the consumption of infected meat.
Despite the WHO’s recommendations for meat product surveillance since 1997, it is estimated that over 7,000 CWD-infected animals have been unknowingly consumed by humans, according to the Alliance for Public Wildlife.
Michael Osterholm, a colleague of Anderson, describes CWD as a “slow-moving disaster.”
While there have been no reported cases of CWD infection in humans, according to the CDC, they advise hunters in areas with CWD to take precautions. This includes having venison tested for the disease before consumption.
Hunters are also advised to avoid shooting or handling meat from sick-looking or strange-acting animals. When dressing a deer, the CDC recommends wearing rubber gloves and minimizing contact with organs, especially the brain and spinal cord tissue.
However, concerns raised by academic epidemiologists regarding the accidental spread of the disease have not been addressed by the CDC.
The National Institutes for Allergies and Infectious Disease did not respond to requests for comment from the Washington Examiner.
In November, the National Park Service announced increased monitoring and carcass sample testing for CWD among deer, elk, and moose within Yellowstone National Park, in collaboration with state agencies in Wyoming.
The National Park Service and the National Park Foundation did not provide updated information when asked for comment by the Washington Examiner.
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What recent studies have raised concerns about the possibility of CWD transmission to humans?
Same category as mad cow disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, both of which are known to have the potential to transmit from animals to humans. While there have been no confirmed cases of CWD transmission to humans, recent studies have raised concerns about this possibility.
One study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, exposed macaque monkeys to CWD-infected brain tissue. The monkeys developed the disease within two years, suggesting that transmission to humans may be possible. However, the researchers emphasize that more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks.
Another study conducted by scientists at the University of Edinburgh found that CWD prions, the infectious agents responsible for the disease, can bind to human proteins in a laboratory setting. This finding raises concerns about the potential for CWD transmission to humans.
The implications of CWD transmission to humans are significant. The disease’s long incubation period and the fact that it can be transmitted through bodily fluids have raised concerns about the potential for human-to-human transmission. If the disease were to spread among humans, it could have devastating consequences for public health.
To address these concerns, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidelines for hunters and consumers of venison to minimize the risk of exposure to CWD prions. These guidelines include avoiding hunting in areas with known CWD cases, handling and processing meat with caution, and having deer tested for the disease before consumption.
Public health agencies are actively monitoring the situation and conducting further studies to better understand the transmission risks and develop strategies to prevent the spread of CWD. However, the uncertainty surrounding the disease and its potential impact on public health underscores the need for continued vigilance and research.
In conclusion, the spread of CWD, or “zombie disease,” from deer to humans is a concerning issue being monitored by public health agencies. While there have been no confirmed cases of transmission, recent studies have raised the possibility. The potential for human-to-human transmission and the lack of available treatment or vaccine for animals affected by the disease make it a significant public health concern. Continued research and precautionary measures are necessary to mitigate the risks associated with CWD and protect human health.
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