WOLVES MAY SAVE HUMANS FROM `ZOMBIE' DEER DISEASE

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal illness similar to mad cow disease. Cases have been reported in wild and farmed deer, elk and moose in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Quebec and 24 states. It is called the “zombie disease” as it makes deer lose weight drastically, struggle to walk and be aggressive. There is no treatment, but wolves may help, as they tend to kill weak and sick animals. The Canada Food Inspection Agency says CWD may pose a risk to humans who eat infected cervids, though there has been no known transmission. It is difficult to eradicate, as prions are shed in urine and feces, and can remain in soil for years, infecting other animals.