The contagious, fatal illness in deer, elk and moose must be taken seriously, say experts as it takes hold in the US and reaches other countries. While it has not infected humans yet, the risk is growing

Summary

Chronic wasting disease (CWD), an incurable and fatal prion disease affecting deer, elk, moose, and reindeer, is spreading across 36 US states and other countries.

Scientists warn of a potential human spillover crisis, with tens of thousands likely consuming infected venison. Experts criticize labeling it “zombie deer disease” as it downplays the threat.

Concerns include contamination through carcass transport and feedgrounds. Calls grow for better surveillance and prevention, but conflicting policies and resistance to reducing wildlife feedgrounds hinder efforts.

  • Skyline969@lemmy.caEnglish
    28·
    1 day ago

    Prions are some crazy shit. Can’t treat them, can’t destroy them, if you get one you’re just fucked with our current medical technology.

    • ebolapie@lemmy.worldEnglish
      15·
      1 day ago

      Holy shit, look at what you need to do to scrub these things:

      Temperatures of more than 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit — sometimes up to 1,800 degrees

      A combination of heat — about 275 degrees Fahrenheit — and bursts of unimaginably high pressure — over 100,000 psi — showed promise in reducing prion infectivity, at least in processed meats like hot dogs

      Infected material is placed in a solution of potassium hydroxide — also known as caustic potash — for at least six hours, at 300 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 psi, about four times ambient air pressure.

    • deafboy@lemmy.worldEnglish
      10·
      1 day ago

      Few things on this planet scare me as much as misfolded prions. Disgusting freaks of nature, turning organisms into living evil paperclip factories!

  • Lemmist@lemm.eeEnglish
    16·
    1 day ago

    ‘Don’t call it zombie deer disease’

    We surely need a Ministry of Cool Names. Those scientists don’t understand what they are talking about.