Millions of hunters in North America hunt deer each fall and consume the venison. However, experts are concerned about chronic wasting disease (CWD), a rapidly spreading, contagious, and always fatal neurological disease in deer. The prions causing CWD may be evolving to infect humans, and experts are worried about a potential spillover into humans and food production. There have been no known human cases of CWD, but there are fears that it could affect humans, domestic animals, and wild game consumed by hunters. Testing for CWD in deer is limited and experts are working on new technology and prevention strategies to fight the disease.
Source link
Possibility of wildlife-to-human crossover heightens concern about chronic wasting disease
