Mad Crow Disease Infects Humans

The worst fears of Cavroadian health authorities have been realised as the first human cases of the disease affecting local crows have been confirmed.

Popular comentators have dubbed the disease "Mad Crow Disease", after Mad Cow Disease (or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy), due to the deleterious effect it has been shown to have on the bird's behaviour.

So far, the human cases have not proven fatal, although the confusion, disorientation and dizziness caused by the infection has resulted in many Cavroadians missing work or school for extended periods.

Dr Pam Demick, Director of Epidemiology at the Cavroadian Institute for Infectious Diseases confirmed the human cases last night after extensive studies by medical investigators.

"We know that people suffering the the "flu" that has been reported in recent weeks in the Cavroadia area have shown positive results for the same infectious agent that has turned up in crows," Dr Demick said. "At the moment, all the evidence points to this agent being of bacterial origin."

"In crows, it has been shown to cause loss of control over the body through the formation of plaques in the brain tissues. As we have yet to have a fatal human case, the exact effect on humans is yet to be determined."

Dr Demick urged Cavroadian not to panic about this new development.

"So far, no people have died from the disease, and most people who are affected lose theor symptoms after one week."

However, some local Cavroadians have taken matters into their own hands, with large numbers of crows being found shot to death.

Dr Robert Rook, of the College of Australian Raven and Crows Scientists has begged for calm.

"I am appalled that people are killing crows because of this disease," he said. "Firstly the crow numbers are depleted by the disease and now we have people killing more. The population may never recover from this."

Dr Demick supported Dr Rooks statements. "People need to realise that the disease is now in the human population - there is nothing we can do about it. Besides, shooting the animals releases more of the bacterium into the environment and increases the risk of infection."

Local Cavroadian Roger Ruger dismissed the scientists claims. "I don't care what they say. If it's a choice between my kids and some filthy crow that I'm afraid the crow comes off second best. Besides, they make too much noise."

Medical investigations on the identity of the disease agent continue.