Certain soil characteristics might be behind the rise in the number of deer with chronic wasting disease (CWD), also known as ‘zombie deer disease,’ according to a new study.
Research from the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences has found that the the amount of clay found in soil affects the spread of the disease, which is in the same category as mad cow disease.
The study found an association with high amounts of clay in soil and a drop in the number of CWD cases noted in a particular area.
Researchers at the University of Illinois think that a high percentage of clay in soil can halt the spread of ‘zombie deer disease’, which has been noted in 22 states (file photo)
If a deer that has CWD urinates or salivates in a certain area and then a healthy deer roams in that same space, the healthy deer can pick up the fatal illness.
But the University of Illinois researchers determined that the content of soil that deer graze on has to do with how efficient the spread of the disease is.
‘I think what’s groundbreaking about this work is finding this threshold. It’s like a switch,’ said Michelle Green, co-author of the new study.
The scientists found that when more than 18 percent of soil is comprised of clay, the spread of CWD drastically drops.
The reason for this decline has to do with the ability of clay to paralyze the spread of the disease, which causes deer to die slowly after their body parts break down.
The scientists honed in on five counties in northern Illinois where CWD is prevalent among the deer population for the study.
Study author Sheena Dorak said: ‘The goal was to identify which soil characteristics have a greater effect on the persistent presence of chronic wasting disease in the five counties.’
The infection attacks the brain, spinal cord, and other tissues in deer, elk, and moose, causing them to physically waste away before they die. The disease earned its nickname from the bizarre symptoms it causes, including a vacant stare and exposed ribs
AS ‘ZOMBIE DEER DISEASE’ RISES: WHAT IS IT, AND HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF?
As of January 2018, Chronic wasting disease (CWD), also known as ‘zombie deer disease,’ has been reported in 22 states and two Canadian provinces.
The infection attacks the brain, spinal cord, and other tissues in deer, elk, and moose, resulting in dramatic weight loss, lack of coordination, and even aggression before they eventually die.
There is no evidence yet that it can infect humans, and no such cases have been reported, according to the CDC.
The disease that causes deer to act like zombies is on the rise across the US and parts of Canada. Hunters are being warned to be cautious of game they are handling that might have the illness. The above map shows where the illness has been found
But, a recent study found macaques could get the disease after consuming infected meat, sparking fears that a variant that also infects humans could eventually emerge.
Officials are urging precaution, however, to minimize any potential risks.
For hunters and others who live in areas where CWD is present, the CDC says:
- Do not shoot, handle or eat meat from deer and elk that look sick or are acting strangely or are found dead (road-kill).
- When field-dressing a deer:
- Wear latex or rubber gloves when dressing the animal or handling the meat.
- Minimize how much you handle the organs of the animal, particularly the brain or spinal cord tissues.
- Do not use household knives or other kitchen utensils for field dressing.
- Check state wildlife and public health guidance to see whether testing of animals is recommended or required. Recommendations vary by state, but information about testing is available from many state wildlife agencies.
- Strongly consider having the deer or elk tested for CWD before you eat the meat.
- If you have your deer or elk commercially processed, consider asking that your animal be processed individually to avoid mixing meat from multiple animals.
- If your animal tests positive for CWD, do not eat meat from that animal.
The research team split up the counties into square sections that were one mile each in order to analyze the soil composition.
The study said: ‘According to the analysis, the amount of clay in a given soil was a major determining factor to predict where the disease was more likely to persist.
And the data clearly indicated a break point that could be useful in future management schemes: Soils with more than 18 percent clay were associated with a steep drop in cases of the disease.’
The researchers said their number one priority in conducting the study was to work toward an end to the disease, for which there is no vaccination.
Green said: ‘Our biggest goal is to support the management of this non-curable disease in an animal that is an economically important resource for the state of Illinois.’