A new virus ‘Zombie Deer Disease’ has been detected in multiple countries, including the US, Canada, Norway, and South Korea. While some experts express concerns about the potential for future adaptations, there is no imminent threat of ZDD infecting humans.
Scientists are worried about a disease called “zombie deer disease” that’s spreading quickly among deer in the United States, Canada, Norway, and South Korea. This disease is officially known as chronic wasting disease (CWD). It is normally caused by something wrong with certain proteins in the body. These proteins, called prions, don’t fold properly and can damage the brain and nerves of deer, making them act like “zombies” – they drool, stumble around, seem very tired, and have a blank look.
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) that affects members of the deer family, including deer, elk, reindeer, and moose. It is a fatal progressive disease that attacks the central nervous system, causing brain damage and ultimately death.
Key Points
Here’s what we know about CWD:
- Causes: It is caused by prions, which are misfolded proteins that can damage healthy brain tissue. Prions are incredibly resistant to environmental factors and can persist in the environment for long periods.
- Transmission: CWD is believed to spread through direct contact between infected animals. It can also spread through contact with contaminated soil, water, or food.
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- Symptoms: Infected animals may exhibit a variety of symptoms. It includes weight loss, loss of appetite, excessive drooling, stumbling, and behavioral changes. However, some infected animals may show no symptoms at all.
- Distribution: CWD has been detected in 26 states and 4 provinces in North America, as well as in several European countries.
- Impact: CWD can have a significant impact on deer populations, reducing their numbers and affecting their overall health. It can also have economic consequences for the hunting and tourism industries.
In Canada, where the disease has also been found in various cities. Officials are trying to stop it from spreading by checking deer, moose, elk, and caribou that have been hit by cars. In the United States, it was even found in a famous park called Yellowstone.
So far, experts say there’s no evidence that humans can get this disease from deer. But, one expert mentioned that it could happen in the future, although it hasn’t happened yet. This situation is something scientists are keeping a close eye on.