News Nation, by Researchers are warning that chronic wasting disease (CWD) — also known as “zombie deer” disease — could spill over to humans.
A new report from the University of Minnesota detailed gaps in preparedness and response if CWD starts to spread from deer to other animals, including humans.
CWD is spread by infectious proteins known as prions, which trigger abnormal protein folding throughout the body, especially in the central nervous system. Those proteins then clump up in the brain and cause brain damage.
Prion diseases, which include mad cow disease, are always fatal.
In deer, the illness can exist for up to two years before symptoms are visible. In the later stages of the illnesses, deer become emaciated, uncoordinated and lose the sense of fear that keeps them away from humans and hazards like cars, thus earning the nickname of zombie deer disease.
Symptoms of prion disease in humans include dementia, difficulty walking, hallucinations, confusion and fatigue. One challenge facing scientists is that prion diseases are rare and physicians could attribute illness to other neurodegenerative diseases in a human rather than considering CWD.
Researchers said efforts to prevent spillover are hampered by inconsistent disease surveillance between states and limited resources dedicated to CWD.
Some scientists believe spillover may already be taking place, with some data suggesting feral pigs can be infected, which means it’s possible domestic pigs could be as well. Should CWD spread to swine or cattle, it could be dangerous.
Researchers don’t yet know exactly what it takes for the prion to infect a human if it’s ingested, but contaminated venison is also a major concern.
Unlike viruses or bacteria usually associated with food-borne illness, prions aren’t killed by cooking. Instead, cooking actually concentrates the disease, making it worse.
Not all hunters agree with advisories to avoid contaminated meat, however, which is another risk for spillover.
Depending on the state, some or all hunters may be required to submit samples of harvested deer for testing. In places where it is optional, many hunters may choose not to.
Even when they do, some will still take the meat home to consume despite testing positive for CWD.
Prophetic Link:
“By his power he had controlled cities and nations until their sin provoked the wrath of God to destroy them by fire, water, earthquakes, sword, famine, and pestilence.” Confrontation, page 34.
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