Laurie,

>Due to the nature of the disease (it isn't caused by germs or parasites of
>any kind, prions aren't even alive) it is ~impossible~ to create a vaccine
>for Mad Cow Disease or Chronic Wasting Disease.  The pharm companies avoid
>discussion of this sort of disease, because they can't do anything about it,
>hence there is no profit in it (and I bet the elk and mule deer don't have
>even a lousy HMO to pay for their care, if treatment WERE possible...)

        Nor can they do anything about attaining true health through a pill,
powder, or potion. Evil, evil, evil I tell you. Seriously, drugs are for
crisis care NOT health care. A crisis being when the body has reached it's
material limits not because it is displaying a sign that it is struggling
to maintain homeostasis.

>
>I read a report on a medical board today (where they track trends of
>diseases and parasites worldwide)that said the disease in elks and deer
>~operates the same way~ as mad cow disease, but is NOT related to it, and
>absolutely did not come from it, and has somewhat different symptomatology.

        Simply calling it a disease means there is the possibility of "treating"
it. Profitability will be the deciding factor not some great humanitarian
effort.

>
>There may be deep dark global conspiracies lurking in the bushes sometimes,
>but not in this case.

        Conspiracies never work in the long run and besides when you are in
something for profit alliances usually cut into the bottom line.

>
>laurie (Mother Mastiff)  subsiding back into lurk mode
>
>(P.S., I work at Glaxo

        My condolences.

>, and researching animal health is my main interest
>besides
>enjoying my own personal animals and birds...)

        Then you surely realize that animals become diseased as does man the
further he introduces his limited educated mind into the food source
through technology.

Dave