As I expand on topics for my blog, I often find stories in my digging that just absolutely stand out like a sore thumb. What I mean is that they don't necessarily fit into a mold; no category of mine relates directly to them. Saving myself a bit of time, I decided to create a "News" category for these oddballs. Very original, I know.
Speaking of oddballs, you're really gonna wanna read about what I just discovered online. It's quite eye opening, as well as a bit frightening.
A developing story I found on Twitter, scientists have discovered a neurological disease within species of deer, elk, and moose that is spreading rapidly. What REALLY caught my attention was the headline of "zombie deer". Excuse me? I had to know if this was a mere clickbait article, so I did some research of my own. I was not disappointed.
Known as chronic wasting disease, this illness has many side effects on its host. As quoted from the New York Post, it "causes the animals to dramatically lose weight and walk in repetitive patterns. Other symptoms include loss of fear of humans, stumbling and listlessness." The disease is compared to that of mad cow's disease, in which these afflicted animals may attack humans.
Reading more into it, the disease is transferred through proteins called prions, through body fluids (I hope that I don't have to explain to you what body fluids). CWD can remain dormant in an infected animal for up to a year, which means it's very likely human consumption of a sick deer has already happened. Oh yes, this disease can infect humans. Nobody is safe.
What makes things worse is that there is no treatment yet for CWD. What people now fear is that the disease will begin to spread to humanity rapidly. A lethal infection on animals, it has scientists racing to figure out a solution.
Apparently this isn't a "just now" story. CWD was first recorded in Colorado within captivity in 1967, with a wildlife recording in 1981. By the 90's, the disease was beginning to spread north and south. As of recent news, 24 total US States have diseased animals, alongside two Canadian provinces.
What I expected to be a mere Twitter hoax was actually a shocking news story that has been developing for a while and is continuing to do so. It's a bit frightening that CWD is continuing to spread, so I would be extremely cautious if you happen to see deer in the wild, or on the menu. Stick to something... less rabid.
Comments