Prion Disease Is Spreading in Deer. Here's What We Know About the Risk to Humans
Prion Disease Is Spreading in Deer. Here’s What We Know About the Risk to Humans
In recent months, a team of scientists has sparked concern with their discovery of two cases of a rare but fatal prion disease in hunters. The disease, known as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), is caused by a misfolded protein called a prion, which replicates and accumulates in the brain of infected animals, leading to brain damage and eventually death. The scientists believe that the hunters may have contracted the disease from eating contaminated deer meat, raising alarm bells about the potential risk to humans.
What is Chronic Wasting Disease?
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE), a group of diseases that affect the brain and nervous system of animals. It is caused by a misfolded protein called a prion, which replicates and accumulates in the brain of infected animals, leading to brain damage and eventually death. CWD affects members of the deer family, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose.
The disease is transmitted through direct animal-to-animal contact or by consuming contaminated tissue, such as meat, organs, or bodily fluids. CWD has been detected in several states in the United States and Canada, with the highest prevalence found in Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska.
Risk to Humans
While there have been no reported cases of CWD transmission to humans, the recent discovery of two hunters contracting the disease has raised concerns about the potential risk. The scientists who made the discovery believe that the hunters may have contracted the disease from eating contaminated deer meat, highlighting the possibility of human-to-human transmission.
However, it’s worth noting that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that there is currently no strong evidence to suggest that CWD can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated deer meat. The CDC also advises that cooking or heating deer meat will not eliminate the risk of transmission, as the prions that cause the disease are resistant to heat and other forms of sterilization.
Precautions for Hunters
While the risk of CWD transmission to humans is still considered low, hunters can take precautions to minimize their exposure when handling and consuming deer meat. The CDC recommends that hunters follow proper food safety guidelines when handling and cooking deer meat, including:
- Avoiding direct contact with the brain, spinal cord, or other nervous tissue when field dressing or processing deer meat
- Wearing gloves when handling deer meat
- Making sure all cutting tools and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after use
- Cooking deer meat to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C)
- Avoiding consuming deer meat that is raw, undercooked, or spoiled
Future Research and Implications
The recent discovery of CWD in hunters has sparked renewed interest in the disease and its potential impact on human health. While the risk to humans is still considered low, further research is needed to fully understand the transmission dynamics of CWD and its potential for human-to-human transmission.
In response to the recent findings, some states have implemented measures to monitor and contain the spread of CWD, including increased testing of deer populations and restrictions on the movement of deer carcasses. Hunters are also advised to be cautious when handling and consuming deer meat, particularly in areas where CWD has been detected.
Conclusion
Chronic Wasting Disease is a rare but fatal prion disease that affects members of the deer family. While there have been no reported cases of CWD transmission to humans, the recent discovery of two hunters contracting the disease has raised concerns about the potential risk. Hunters can take precautions to minimize their exposure when handling and consuming deer meat, and further research is needed to fully understand the transmission dynamics of CWD and its potential impact on human health.
