‘Zombie deer disease’ epidemic spreads, from Chronic Wasting Disease to zoonotic diseases we cannot ignore the risks.

"We live in an interconnected world, where the health of animals and humans is intricately linked. Only by recognizing this can we effectively prevent and control the spread of diseases."

In recent years, a contagious disease known as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has garnered widespread attention in North America. This disease, caused by a prion virus, is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting deer, elk, and moose. Animals infected with CWD exhibit a range of progressively worsening symptoms, including significant weight loss, abnormal behavior such as reduced wariness of humans, motor dysfunction, and excessive salivation. Ultimately, these symptoms lead to the death of the animal. Currently, CWD has been detected in multiple states and provinces across the United States and Canada, with a trend towards spreading to more areas.

Since the 1960s, Chronic Wasting Disease has been continuously spreading.

"The One Health concept reminds us that human health, animal health, and environmental health are interconnected and must be addressed in an integrated manner."-Peter Daszak, President of EcoHealth Alliance

Although there is currently no direct evidence that CWD can infect humans, its causative agent, the prion virus, exhibits high stability and variability, allowing it to persist and remain infectious in the environment for extended periods. This raises concerns among scientists that CWD could potentially cross species barriers and pose a threat to human health.

• "Physicians need to understand not only the human body but also nature, as human and animal diseases are inseparable."

Historically, several zoonotic diseases, such as mad cow disease, rabies, avian influenza, brucellosis, anthrax, toxoplasmosis, Lyme disease, plague, and others, have demonstrated the possibility of such cross-species transmission. Although their modes of transmission vary, their potential risks cannot be ignored.

"Understanding the pathways of disease transmission between humans and animals is crucial for preventing the next global pandemic."

To effectively prevent the outbreak of zoonotic diseases, it is essential to cut off their transmission pathways. Firstly, continuous monitoring and research on the disease situation in wildlife and livestock are needed to understand their transmission mechanisms and risk factors. Early detection and warning systems should be established to promptly implement response measures and prevent disease spread. Additionally, by implementing proper animal management and quarantine measures, such as restricting wildlife migration and avoiding contact between different species, the risk of disease transmission can be effectively reduced.

"Eradicating infectious agents and cutting off the virus transmission chain are key to controlling epidemic outbreaks."-World Health Organization (WHO)

The timely disposal of infectious medical waste is closely related to preventing the outbreak of zoonotic diseases. Proper management of medical waste is equally important in preventing zoonotic diseases. This infectious waste includes pathogen samples, large amounts of medical waste generated during diagnosis and treatment processes, contaminated disposable medical equipment, and personal protective gear. Improper disposal may lead to secondary pollution and become new sources of infection, endangering public health and environmental safety. Therefore, scientific and safe disposal methods must be used to ensure that these wastes are effectively destroyed or safely treated.

"Good waste management is not just a technical issue but also a moral one."

The emergence of Zombie deer disease serves as a reminder that the threat of zoonotic diseases cannot be ignored. LiYing's mobile emergency disposal disinfection vehicle, which utilizes microwave disinfection technology, can rapidly travel to epidemic areas and professionally handle infectious medical waste. This emergency response can eliminate 99.9999% of viruses and bacteria, effectively eradicating them before they spread. The disinfection vehicle comes equipped with a generator and water tank, allowing it to handle the carcasses of animals with diseases such as swine fever and avian influenza on farms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it provided emergency disposal services to more than 50 cities and regions, serving as a true virus killer, cutting off the transmission chain of the virus, and gaining widespread recognition from society. Improper disposal of medical waste not only poses a public health crisis but also causes serious environmental pollution. By following standardized disposal procedures and using professional equipment, risks can be greatly reduced, protecting the health and safety of relevant personnel.

Cutting off their transmission pathways, strengthening disease monitoring and control, are important measures to safeguard public health. Through scientific management and professional prevention and control measures, we can more effectively address the challenges of zoonotic diseases and protect the health of humans and the environment.