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Zombie deer disease, officially called Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), has spread to 24 states and two Canadian provinces. Researchers fear that humans will contract it under certain circumstances.
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The disease mainly affects wild deer, elk and moose, and has been identified in deer and elk, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
The disease is relatively low in free-living deer and elk, but in some areas where the disease is better established, infection rates may exceed 10%, according to the CDC, and infection rates localized 25% have also been reported. Figures are even higher in the captive deer population with rates up to 79 percent or four deer in five in at least one captive flock.
As of January 2019, there were 251 counties in 24 states reporting CWD in free-ranging cervids. This map is based on the best information available from multiple sources, including state wildlife agencies and the United States Geological Survey. Centers for Disaster Control and Prevention
Chronic debilitating disease can take up to a year after infection before symptoms appear, but when they do occur, they include drastic weight loss, stumbling, apathy and other neurological symptoms.
The researchers fear that the so-called "zombie deer" disease is transmitted to humans through the food supply, although no cases have been recorded at this time. day. pixabay
No human infections have been recorded, but here's why the CDC is concerned. Studies have suggested that non-human primates, such as monkeys, who eat infected meat or come into contact with the body fluid of an infected animal, could be at risk. The CDC said the research raises concerns about the risks to people.
Since 1997, the World Health Organization has recommended preserving any source of CWD-infected meat.
In the absence of treatment or vaccine against the so-called "zombie deer" disease, the disease is fatal, although some infected animals never develop the disease.
© 2019 Cox Media Group.
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