Scientists have raised concerns over the potential spread of a fatal brain disease, known as chronic wasting disease (CWD) or “zombie deer disease,” to humans. This follows numerous reported cases of the illness in deer, elk, and moose populations in Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park. The disease has sparked fears of a slow-moving disaster, prompting experts to urge governments to prepare for the possibility of it spreading to humans.
The discovery of the first case of chronic wasting disease in Yellowstone National Park last month has heightened worries among scientists about its potential transmission to humans. This follows the finding of 800 samples of deer, elk, and moose across Wyoming testing positive for the highly contagious prion disease, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control. The symptoms of the disease, which include drooling, lethargy, weight loss, stumbling, and a vacant stare, have led to its colloquial moniker, “zombie deer disease.”
Chronic wasting disease is caused by prions, abnormal transmissible pathogens that affect the brain and nervous system, leaving the animals emaciated and debilitated. This has raised concerns about the disease potentially spreading to humans. Moreover, the disease is fatal with no known treatments or vaccines, as highlighted by the Guardian.
The potential implications of the disease spreading to humans have been a cause for concern among experts, who view it as a slow-moving disaster. With the disease having been spotted in deer, elk, reindeer, and moose in North America, Canada, Norway, and South Korea, researchers are stressing the need for governments to prepare for the possibility of its transmission to humans.
The detection of “zombie deer disease” in Yellowstone National Park has brought renewed attention to the potential risks associated with chronic wasting disease and the urgent need for further research and preventive measures to address this concerning public health issue.
