Why in the News?

A case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was confirmed in the US.

About Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

CWD is a fatal, transmissible disease that affects the brain and central nervous system of deer, elk, and moose.
First identified in 1967, CWD is a prion disease where normal proteins misfold, leading to symptoms that eventually cause death.
Transmission occurs through animal-to-animal contact or contamination of feed or water by infected saliva or bodily waste.
Environmental contamination can occur through soil exposure from infected carcasses or bodily fluids.
High-risk areas include places where deer and elk gather closely, like feeding or watering sites.
Species affected: CWD does not naturally infect cows, other livestock, or pets.
Although no strong evidence exists that it can spread to humans, officials advise against eating meat from infected animals.

Symptoms: Drastic weight loss, lack of coordination, drooling, listlessness, and excessive thirst. Infected animals may also show drooping ears and lose their fear of humans.
- Prevention: To prevent the spread of CWD, avoid handling or eating sick animals, use synthetic lures, dispose of carcass waste in landfills, and report any sick or unusual deer to local wildlife authorities.

[2012] Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to:

(a) The destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species

(b) A drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle

(d) A widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them