Then, in conclusion to the report of the Zombie Phenomenon discovered recently in the United States and some parts of Europe, I intend to discuss its danger to the farm animals

Special danger for farm animals

Overall, the distribution of free-range deer and elk is relatively low, according to CDC. In some areas, however, the disease has become established, where infection rates are up to ten percent. Locally even every fourth animal can be affected. In captive herds, far more animals are afflicted, as many as 79 percent of a herd has been affected in the past.

How exactly the pathogen spread is unclear, researchers suspect oral transmission. The affected animals lose weight, are overly thirsty, become apathetic, dizzy, stagger, tremble and are aggressive when touched. Many of the animals also drool excessively and grind their teeth. Hence the term "zombie disease" - undead, of course, the animals are not.

The topic is now back in the media because a US researcher in Minnesota has warned against the transmission of the disease to humans. So far, no such case is known. In the wild, only the transmission to red deer, moose and reindeer is registered. Laboratory situations also affected mice and primates. Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Diseases, said last week in the Minnesota Capitol that it's "likely that there will be CWD cases in humans through eating infested meat over the next few years." BSE was initially not considered to be a risk of infection to humans. "It is possible that the number of human cases will be considerable, not isolated cases".

In addition to the health aspect, economic interests could also play a role. According to US news broadcaster NBC News , funding for research and prevention has become increasingly less since the federal authorities announced the 2001 national CWD emergency. But the fact that hunters can have their meat tasted for nothing costs a lot of money, not to mention in-depth studies.

Hunting is also a big deal in the US, which, according to the report, flushes $ 15 billion a year into the pockets of arms manufacturers, outfitters, and the rural small town tourism sector. Only - who wants to eat game, if he could endanger his central nervous system? In any case, hunters in affected areas have been recommended for years to have their animals tested before being consumed.