‘Zombie deer disease’ spreading fast, could evolve to infect humans

CANADA – 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 reports, 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. Officials have ordered the testing of any road-killed deer, moose, elk and caribou, the outlet further said.

The Chronic Wasting Disease, as it is known, is caused by misfolded proteins known as prions. After infection, prions travel throughout the central nervous system, leaving prion deposits in brain tissues and organs.

Health officials in Canada have said there is “no direct evidence” that the disease could make a leap to the humans. But Hermann Schatzl, from University of Calgary’s veterinary school, said previous research on macaques suggests transmission of chronic waste disease between primates is possible.

“In our experimental models, it’s very likely that CWD can infect humans. Has it ever happened before? There is no positive evidence where you can say a human had this prion disease from the consumption of venison. But will it happen in the future? Very likely, yes,”