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.

  • absGeekNZ@lemmy.nzEnglish
    4·
    1 day ago

    Whilst this may be the case, 49MYa was a long time ago. Any mammals around at the time had probably evolved to deal with fungal infections.

    But as the climate cooled back to similar levels that we have had in the recent past (last 200k years) those evolved traits would have been de-selected since they are a cost with no benefit.

    The problem with the current warming is that the rate is much higher than in the past, fast evolving creatures (read small, with short generation cycles) can change much more quickly to deal with the new conditions; those of us that evolve much more slowly cannot compete.