Horrific venereal disease strikes African baboons (NOW rejoices)

New Scientist ^ | 02 May 03 | Jenny Hogan

[jimkress]

A horrific venereal disease is preying on baboons in eastern Africa. An estimated 200 animals have been infected and scientists are scrambling to identify the mystery microbe that is attacking them.

The disease targets the reproductive organs of the primate. The consequences for male baboons are particularly gruesome, says Elibariki Mtui, of the African Wildlife Foundation in Arusha, Tanzania. "The genitals kind of rot away, then they just drop off," he told New Scientist.

The disease first appeared a month ago and while cases seem to be confined to Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania, there are fears it will spread from the affected troops of olive baboons to others nearby. "People are really concerned that it could be an epidemic," says Mtui. Wardens at the park confirm that some of the infected males had died.

"If it's sexually transmitted then it could spread," agrees Dee Carey, head veterinarian at the Southwest National Primate Research Centre in San Antonio, Texas. Baboons live in troops of up to 100 animals and although the females stay put within each "family", the males wander between them. But with so little information on the disease, says Carey, it is difficult to evaluate the risks.

Herpes-like lesions

The Wildlife Research Institute (WRI) in Tanzania has sent scientists to Lake Manyara to monitor the baboons and take samples from infected animals so that the virus or bacterium causing the disease can be identified. They are working in cooperation with the Institute of Primate research in neighbouring Kenya.

In a statement, the WRI says: "We are worried, but have the capacity to identify the disease because of our experience after decades of research on primates."

Venereal diseases are not unknown in baboons. In the captive colony of 4000 cared for by Carey, they occasionally see genital lesions caused by a herpes-like virus. These lesions can become infected but no animals have ever died.

"But then, we treat the animals," says Carey. He speculates that the baboon deaths in Tanzania may have been caused not by the venereal disease, but by subsequent infection.

This is one possibility that scientists in Tanzania will need to consider. But locals may be unwilling to back medical treatments for the sickly olive baboons because the animals are considered pests who steal food.

[jimkress]

Homosexuals claim constitutional 'right' to their activities, even if it results in transmission of this new disease.

After all, AIDS came from African primates, too.

[SauronOfMordor]

Homosexuals claim constitutional 'right' to their activities, even if it results in transmission of this new disease.

Considering the symptoms, it may be self-correcting once it gets into the gay community

[thoughtomator]

I don't even want to know how it's going to make the species jump. Ewww!

[The Green Goblin]

Homosexuals claim constitutional 'right' to their activities, even if it results in transmission of this new disease.

Jumping the gun a bit, aren't we?

[jimkress]

After all, AIDS came from African primates, too.

[FryingPan101]

"A horrific venereal disease is preying on baboons in eastern Africa."

Ooooh noooo. There's goes Mr. Bill's (Clinton) fun during his next visit.

[TRY ONE]

"The genitals kind of rot away, then they just drop off,"

You may think this disease started with the baboons but it really started with the RINO's.

[The Green Goblin]

After all, AIDS came from African primates, too.

Jumping the gun a bit, aren't we?

[Migraine]

Let's see: a crash education program for the 'boons? Nah. They're probably all ADHD. Rubbers? Nah. They'd just eat 'em. Abstinence? Yeah, right. Looks like these boys are about to be Darwined out.

[IronJack]

I suggest we name this after some of the ballbusters from the womens' movement: The Abzug Bug; Steinemitus; Patsy [Ireland, Schroeder] Virus; Mad Cow disease (oops, already taken).

Or how about Schlong Gone Flu?

[billorites]

"The genitals kind of rot away, then they just drop off,"

I hate it when that happens.

[Darksheare]

What's that Gen-x song and hoe does it go?
"Detachable Pe..."?

[capt. norm]

"The genitals kind of rot away, then they just drop off,"

That's exactly what I thought would happen to me if I ever saw Rosie O'Donnell or Hillary Clinton in the nude.

[BlazingArizona]

Wait till Hillary finds out about this...

[blackdog]

That which doesn't kill you.....Falls off in your hand.

[blackdog]

Isn't that what Caligula had happen to him? I thought it was him or another Roman Emporer.

[joesnuffy]

I don't even want to know how it's going to make the species jump. Ewww!

From Hollywood to .......vine.....swing on dat!

[Servant of the Nine]

It will jump the species barrier within a year with the help of some pervert.

So9

[optik_b]

We can only hope that the Africans don't decide to have sex with these monkeys like they did with the monkeys with AIDS...or we could have another terrible disease.

[MattAMiller]

HIV most likely jumped the species barrier due to people eating monkeys, not having sex with them.