Epidemic in African Baboons

New Scientist ^ | 02 May 03 | NewScientist.com news service

[punster]

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.

[punster]

This is a major epidemic in the baboons. However, my first thought was, 'Has Bill Clinton visited Africa recently?"

[Enterprise]

Well, that wasn't exactly my first question. Mine is, "How long before it jumps species and begins to infect humans?"

[w1andsodidwe]

Didn't AIDS start in African primates?

[widowithfoursons]

My first thought was that Hillary took a recent trip there. But I think PETA should require that every member be a licensed vet who will go over wherever, and handle these pesky animals.

[thucydides]

The epidemic which causes the genitals to wither away and drop off, would seem to be self limiting.

[FreePaul]

I think that President Bush is trying to get fifteen billion dollars for Africa to do something (I don't know what) about AIDS. Maybe some of that could go to combat Baboon VD. Probably be a better use of the money.

[Clara Lou]

"How long before it jumps species and begins to infect humans?"
I'm sorry to say that the above was my first thought also. What a world!

[The Turbanator]

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

Animal Lovers, don't say you were not warned.

[Ursus arctos horribilis]

Or vice versa.

[per loin]

I guess the big question is: "Can humans contract it?"

[katze]

Why use some of the $15B? Why not send an add'l $5B, since this has to be due to something we've done, or not done.

[punster]

"How long before it jumps species and begins to infect humans?"

That is a good question. There are a lot of diseases that do jump species.

[punster]

"Didn't AIDS start in African primates?"

Somes sources claim the original reservoir of infection for AIDS was the African Green Monkey.

[punster]

""Can humans contract it?""
That is also a good question. It all depends on the humans having contact with the baboons in such a way the disease can be transmitted to them.

[per loin]

Seems like eating baboon meat might do it.

[kdmhcdcfld]

Time for a governmemt-funded program to distribute condoms to the African baboons...

[Matchett-PI]

"Seems like eating baboon meat might do it."

Has anyone warned Barney Frank?

[Callahan]

From Blogolution.com: Sort of gives "moral decay" a literal meaning. Gary "Monkey Business" Hart must be crossing himself right now.

[Callahan]

Let's not stereotype here. Barney Frank has only mutually-respectful, long-term, committed relationships with his baboons.

[berserker]

How long before it jumps species and begins to infect humans?

See FR thread on baboons attacking young women