The disease known as Chronic Wasting Disease is a result of misfolded proteins called prions. Once infected, these prions spread across the central nervous system, leading to the accumulation of prion deposits in the brain tissues and organs.
Scientists in Canada are concerned about the spread of a fatal infection known as the “zombie deer disease” and fear it could soon infect humans. Its real name is chronic wasting disease – a contagious neurological condition which kills virtually every animal it infects.
The infection is rapidly spreading in deer population across the US. According to The Guardian, Canadian province of British Columbia has released a strategy to combat its spread. Authorities moved rapidly after two cases were confirmed at the end of January.
The testing of road-killed deer, moose, elk, and caribou has been mandated by authorities, as stated by the source. Prions, which are misfolded proteins that do not assume the proper shape, are responsible for chronic wasting disease. Once infected, these prions spread throughout the central nervous system, resulting in the accumulation of prion deposits in brain tissues and organs.
The deer impacted by this disease exhibit symptoms such as drooling, stumbling, lethargy, and a vacant gaze, leading to the moniker “zombie deer disease.”
Chronic wasting disease was previously detected in captive deer populations in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Quebec, as well as in wild deer in Manitoba, Canada.
In the United States, the first confirmed case of this disease was reported in Yellowstone National Park.
Canadian health officials have stated that there is “no conclusive evidence” supporting the transmission of the disease to humans. However, Hermann Schatzl, a researcher from the veterinary school at the University of Calgary, has pointed out that previous studies on macaques indicate the potential for the transmission of chronic waste disease among primates.
In our experimental models, there is a high probability that CWD can be transmitted to humans. Has there been any documented cases in the past? There is no concrete evidence to suggest that a human has contracted this prion disease from consuming venison. However, is it possible in the future? It is highly probable, according to the statement given to The Guardian.
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