Man, just when I thought things were getting back to normal, we’ve got a potential zombie disease that could be spreading to humans.
Scientists are currently warning us that a “zombie deer disease” could potentially spread to humans, after hundreds of animals were infected with the disease this past year.
According to The Guardian, the technical term for the disease is Chronic Waste Disease (CWD), which causes animals to drool, act lethargic, and stumble along with a blank stare. The disease has been found in 800 samples of deer, elk, and moose across the state of Wyoming…
And now, scientists are saying it could possibly spread to humans similar to the way mad cow can. Since 1995, nearly 180 people have died due to the human variant of mad cow.
CWD researcher Dr. Cory Anderson told the outlet:
“The mad cow disease outbreak in Britain provided an example of how, overnight, things can get crazy when a spillover event happens from, say, livestock to people.
We’re talking about the potential of something similar occurring. No one is saying that it’s definitely going to happen, but it’s important for people to be prepared.”
In 2017, 7,000 to 15,000 CWD-infected animals a year were consumed by humans. Dr. Anderson added that thousands of people in Wisconsin have probably consumed infected deer meat. That being said, the disease has never once been found in people. So, a little fear mongering, perhaps?
CWD is really tough to get control over once it’s spread through an environment, as it can live on dirt or surfaces for years. It’s also resistant to disinfectants, formaldehyde, radiation, and incineration at 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit.
