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Zombie Deer Disease Symptoms
The term “zombie deer” is derived from the appearance of infected animals, which gradually lose weight and coordination, resembling the fictional undead creatures. However, what sets CWD apart is not just its impact on wildlife but the potential threat it poses to humans. While there are currently no reported cases of CWD transmission to humans, experts emphasize the need for vigilance and preparedness.
According to Dr. Cory Anderson, the program co-director at the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), lessons from past outbreaks, such as mad cow disease, highlight the unpredictability of spillover events from animals to humans. Anderson stresses the importance of being prepared for the worst-case scenario, considering the potential for CWD to jump the species barrier.
CWD spreads through various channels, including contact with contaminated body fluids and tissue, as well as through environmental factors like water and food. While no direct evidence of human infection currently exists, the slow-moving nature of the disease prompts scientists to classify it as a potential disaster for humans in the making.
Uncertain cause, no known cure
It is essential to draw parallels with international cases, as several countries, including Canada and European nations like Norway, Finland, and Sweden, have reported instances of CWD affecting moose and deer. South Korea has also documented imported cases in Asia.
