Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
FOX 5 San Diego
What are prion diseases? Hunters died of fatal disorder after eating tainted deer meat, researchers say
By Michael Bartiromo,
13 days ago
(NEXSTAR) – A recent report published in the medical journal Neurology suggests that two hunters contracted Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a fatal neurological disorder, after eating venison obtained from deer infected with chronic wasting disease.
For years, researchers have thought cross-species transmission of chronic wasting disease (CWD) to be plausible. But this latest report, describing what researchers call a “cluster” of cases, presents some of the strongest evidence yet of possible animal-to-human transmission.
“Although causation remains unproven, this cluster emphasizes the need for further investigation into the potential risks of consuming CWD-infected deer and its implications for public health,” researchers at the University of Texas at San Antonio, who authored the report, said of their findings.
The two hunters described in report’s case studies had been from the same lodge, and were both known to consumer meat from deer belonging to a CWD-infected population.
Both of the hunters contracted fatal cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, with one presenting symptoms shortly after the other’s death, according to the researchers.
The incidents point to “a possible novel animal-to-human transmission of CWD,” the authors wrote.
What is chronic wasting disease?
Chronic wasting disease, or CWD, is a neurological disorder increasingly affecting deer populations, but also other cervid species in the same family. Symptoms usually present around 18 months after infection, and include weight loss, increased salivation, increased thirst, increased urination and loss of awareness, per the U.S. Geological Survey. Cases in deer are always fatal, the agency adds.
CWD can be spread by animals through contact, or through contaminated body fluids, the USGS says. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adds that deer can also become infected via food, water or soil that has become contaminated.
CWD is also categorized as a prion disease, meaning it affects the brain’s prion proteins. When abnormal versions of these proteins infect the animal, they cause normal prion proteins to fold, leading to a host of nervous system issues.
Preventing infection and mitigation are the main courses of action to control the spread of CWD, as there is no known cure, according to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Cases of CWD among animal populations in dozens of U.S. states have been reported, and officials warn against eating any meat suspected to be from an infected population.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, like CWD, is a prion disease, albeit one affecting humans. A neurodegenerative disorder, CJD is characterized by Alzheimer’s-like symptoms, though they get worse “much faster,” the Mayo Clinic writes. Specifically, symptoms can include memory loss, coordination issues, trouble speaking and personality changes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The CDC further notes that CJD is not “related” to bovine springform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as “mad cow” disease, despite both being caused by a prion. It has been proven, however, that BSE can indeed be transmitted to humans via the consumption of tainted meat, leading to a disorder called Variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, or vCJD. Both CJD and vCJD are fatal, and share similar symptoms, per Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Cases of CJD caused by tainted deer meat have not been confirmed like those of vCJD from tainted beef. But the possible link between CWD and CJW presented in the UT report should not be dismissed, the researchers suggest.
“Although no conclusive evidence of cross-species prion transmission exists, vigilance for such cases is crucial for public health,” they wrote.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Comments / 0