PRELIMS BITS
Recent reports have raised alarms about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), or “zombie deer disease,” and its potential to infect humans. This incurable prion disease, primarily affecting deer, has now been detected in feral pigs, prompting concerns about its possible spillover to humans.
What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?
CWD is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) caused by misfolded proteins called prions. It leads to severe neurological damage and death in affected animals.
Symptoms of CWD:
Infected animals exhibit symptoms like drooling, confusion, weight loss, aggression, and unsteadiness, typically appearing about a year after infection.
Transmission of CWD:
The disease spreads through saliva, urine, blood, and feces, raising concerns about its potential transmission to humans.
Current Spread of CWD:
CWD has been reported in 33 U.S. states, including Wyoming, Wisconsin, and Colorado, as well as in Canada and some European countries.
Potential Human Impact:
While no human cases have been confirmed, there is concern that consuming infected venison could lead to diseases similar to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD).
Historical Context and Expert Opinions:
First identified in 1967 in Colorado, CWD has spread widely. Experts warn that, if the disease spills over to humans, it could become a public health crisis similar to the mad cow disease outbreak.
Precautionary Measures:
Hunters are advised to avoid consuming high-risk tissues from infected deer. Enhanced monitoring and research are critical to understanding the risks of CWD.