Wyoming grapples with a growing crisis: Chronic wasting disease (CWD), nicknamed “zombie deer disease,” is ravaging local deer, elk, and moose populations. With 800 cases in just a year, scientists issue a chilling warning – this may not be just an animal problem.
The disease manifests in disturbing ways – drooling, lethargy, aimless wandering, and unsettlingly vacant stares. Experts call it a “slow-moving disaster” and urge authorities to prepare for potential human transmission.
Drawing parallels to the UK’s mad cow disease nightmare, where millions of cattle were slaughtered and 178 humans perished, researchers highlight the unpredictable nature of animal-to-human leaps. While CWD hasn’t been documented in humans, thousands unknowingly consume tainted meat each year.
The unnerving twist? CWD persists for years in soil and on surfaces, defying simple disinfection. Biotech company Ginkgo Bioworks adds fuel to the fire, predicting a 12-fold increase in zoonotic diseases by 2050, fueled by climate change and deforestation.
The call to action is clear: proactive measures are essential. Scientists urge for heightened surveillance, research into human susceptibility, and robust public awareness campaigns. Ignoring this looming threat, they warn, could lead to a crisis we’re ill-equipped to handle.