Description

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Context:

Around 100 tribal persons of the Pulicat region will undergo intense training in pearl spot culture, and crab fattening clownfish aquaculture.

The training is being organized by the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, through an agreement with the Department of Tribal Welfare of the State government.

About Zombie Deer Disease

Aspect	Details
Scientific Name	Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
Cause	Infectious proteins called prions, cause other proteins in the brain to misfold, leading to brain damage.
Transmission	Spread through bodily fluids like saliva, feces, blood, or urine; direct contact or environmental contamination. Prions remain infectious in soil, water, and plants for years.
Symptoms	· Extended incubation period of 18-24 months. · Progressive weight loss. · Behavioral changes: decreased social interaction, loss of consciousness, loss of fear of humans. · Increased drinking, urination, and excessive salivation.
Treatment	Always fatal; no vaccine or treatment available.
Human Impact	No confirmed cases of human transmission, but experts remain cautious.

About the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources

It was established in December 1983 in Allahabad under the auspices of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to research the conservation of fish germplasm resources in the country.
Permanent office infrastructure was developed in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in 1999.
The institute's vision is to evaluate and conserve fish genetic resources to protect intellectual property, sustainable use, and progeny.
They work to identify, document and preserve the genetic diversity of fish species which is important for maintaining healthy and sustainable fish populations.
The Bureau has developed advanced facilities, multidimensional strategies and technological capabilities to achieve its mandate of database development, genotyping, aquatic germplasm registration, gene banking and assessment of endangered and exotic fish species.

About Aquaculture

It is the propagation and breeding of aquatic plants, animals, and other organisms for commercial, recreational, and scientific purposes. Aquaculture has been around since at least 500 BC.
However, it gained commercial importance only from the middle of the 20th century.
There are two main types of aquacultures – Marine and Freshwater.
Aquaculture can take place all over the world: In the waters of coastal oceans, freshwater ponds and rivers, and even on land in reservoirs. It is one of the fastest-growing forms of food production in the world.
Globally, aquaculture already supplies more than half of all seafood consumed by humans.
China is firmly at the top of the world's aquaculture production, producing almost 60% of farmed seafood. Other leaders include Indonesia, India, and Vietnam.

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zombie deer disease

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/pulicats-tribal-women-undergo-training-in-aquaculture/article69096184.ece

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Zombie Deer Disease:

It is caused by infectious proteins known as prions that cause misfolding of proteins in the brain, leading to brain damage.
The disease spreads primarily through airborne transmission.
It has a long incubation period of 18-24 months, with symptoms including progressive weight loss, behavioral changes, and excessive salivation.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: CWD is caused by prions, which are infectious proteins that lead to the misfolding of proteins in the brain, causing damage.

Statement 2 is incorrect: CWD is transmitted through bodily fluids like saliva, feces, blood, or urine, not airborne transmission.

Statement 3 is correct: The disease has a long incubation period of 18-24 months, and symptoms include progressive weight loss and behavioral changes. There is no vaccine or treatment available, and CWD is always fatal for affected animals.