Study Finds Limited Likelihood of CWD Transmission from Animals to Humans
A recent study by the NIH explores the transmission potential of chronic wasting disease (CWD) from cervids to humans. Despite concerns about prion diseases like CWD, the research suggests a significant species barrier preventing transmission to humans. The study utilized a human cerebral organoid model to investigate the likelihood of CWD transmission, providing reassurance about the limited risk to humans.
Chronic Wasting Disease: The Silent Spread of ‘Zombie Deer Disease’
Chronic wasting disease (CWD), also known as ‘zombie deer disease’, is spreading among deer populations, raising concerns due to its potential ecological and human health risks. The disease is caused by misfolded proteins called prions, which are notoriously resilient and can persist in the environment for years. While there is no conclusive evidence that CWD can directly infect humans, concerns persist due to the potential transmission of prions responsible for CWD to human cells under laboratory conditions, as well as the inadvertent consumption of infected animals by humans. The difficulty in detecting and diagnosing prion diseases in humans further complicates the situation, highlighting the urgency for measures to mitigate risks.
Ohio’s Deer Population Struggles with Chronic Wasting Disease
An area in Ohio has been experiencing an expansion of a fatal deer disorder, known as chronic wasting disease (CWD). The implications for the future of deer hunting remain uncertain, although hunters appear largely undeterred by the development. While there…