Zombie Deer Disease: Expert Claims No Risks of Transmissibility to Humans
A researcher at Besta in Milan, Fabio Moda, has stated that there are currently no risks of the transmission of the zombie deer disease to humans. The chronic wasting of deer, also known as CWD, is caused by prions and affects cervids, leading to symptoms such as drooling, lethargy, and emaciation.
The disease has been a topic of concern after 800 animals, including deer and elk, were affected in Wyoming. Despite the presence of the illness in Europe since 2016, there is still uncertainty regarding its origin and the possibility of transmission to humans. Moda and his colleagues are actively conducting research to identify traces of prions in meat intended for human consumption to evaluate the likelihood of the pathogen passing from one species to another.
While studies are ongoing to rule out the risks of transmissibility, Moda emphasizes that there is currently no evidence to suggest potential zoonosis. The Besta Institute is working to detect prions associated with CWD in peripheral tissues of cervids and assess the potential transmission to other animals, particularly sheep.
Prion diseases have been linked to other pathologies that have affected humans in the past, such as mad cow disease. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor and understand the possible risks associated with the zombie deer disease. Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation.