CWD Raises Human Transmission Concerns

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disease affecting deer and other cervids, has raised concerns about its potential transmission to humans. Reports indicate that CWD has been found in wild pigs, which could act as a vector for the disease to spread to domestic pigs and possibly humans. Symptoms of CWD in animals include severe weight loss, confusion, drooling, and a lack of coordination, and the disease is currently incurable. Experts warn that hunters and consumers of venison and pork could be at risk, as cooking does not neutralize the prions that cause CWD. Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease researcher, highlighted the economic impact this could have on the swine and cattle markets if domestic livestock are affected. There is a call for increased funding to prevent the disease's spread, as it has already been detected in 33 U.S. states.