Zombie Deer Disease

Zombie Deer Disease Latest News

Health officials in Florida recently have confirmed cases of Chronic Wasting Disease, commonly known as “Zombie Deer Disease.”

About Zombie Deer Disease

• Known scientifically as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), it is a progressive and fatal neurological disease which primarily affects deer, elk, moose, and reindeer.
• It affects the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord).
• What causes CWD?
  • CWD is caused by infectious proteins called prions.
  • Prions are unique in that they don’t contain DNA or RNA, unlike bacteria or viruses.
  • Instead, they are misfolded proteins that cause other proteins in the brain to likewise misfold, ultimately leading to brain damage.
  • Once these proteins accumulate in the brain, they create spongy holes in the tissue, resulting in severe neurological dysfunction.
• Transmission:
  • CWD prions are highly contagious and spread through body fluids such as saliva, feces, blood, or urine, either by direct contact or environmental contamination.
  • Once present in an area, prions remain infectious in soil, water, and plants for years, posing long-term risks to animal populations.
• Symptoms:
  • It has an extended incubation period averaging 18–24 months between infection and the onset of noticeable signs. During this time frame, animals look and act normal.
  • The most obvious sign of CWD is progressive weight loss.
  • Numerous behavioral changes have also been reported, including decreased social interaction, loss of awareness, and loss of fear of humans.
  • Diseased animals also may exhibit increased drinking, urination, and excessive salivation.
  • In the final stages of disease, animals become debilitated and ultimately die.
  • How fast CWD progresses depends on the species and the animal’s genetics. 
• Treatment: It is always fatal in infected animals. There is no vaccine or treatment.
• Can Humans Get CWD?
  • So far, there has been no confirmed case of CWD transmission to humans. However, experts remain cautious.

Source: TN

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