A recent study published in Neurology has raised concerns about the potential transmission of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) from deer to humans. CWD, a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, has been spreading through North American deer herds since 1967. The study focused on two hunters who contracted Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) after consuming venison from CWD-infected deer.
The symptoms of CJD, a rare and fatal brain disorder, manifested rapidly in both hunters, ultimately leading to their deaths. This case has raised alarm about the potential risks of consuming deer meat from animals infected with CWD.
CWD has been detected in 32 U.S. states, with the most recent case found in Kentucky. The study authors stress the importance of testing deer meat for CWD to prevent potential transmission to humans. They urge for further research and surveillance on the risks associated with consuming CWD-infected deer meat to better understand the possible link between CWD and CJD.
As the concern over the transmission of CWD to humans grows, it is essential for hunters and consumers of venison to take precautions. Experts recommend avoiding meat from deer that appear sick or abnormal, and encouraging the testing of deer for CWD before consumption. The findings from this study highlight the need for continued monitoring and research to address the potential risks associated with CWD and its transmission to humans.
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