Fuse
Fuse is a blight that affects rice plants. Until quite recently it was a mystery. However, researchers at Healers Hall at Octischolarus Magus discovered the magical bacteria while trying to determine the cause of a disease affecting magic users. They have since named the disease Fusion because of the nature of the bacteria to bind itself to rice. Fuse changes the structure of the rice plant so that it is harmful to those who ingest it. It also causes lower yields in the rice plants. At the time of this writing, the origin of the bacteria is unknown. Though it is thought that it may come from Dronigath where most of the rice on the continent is grown.
Transmission & Vectors
Fuse is thought to have been caused by a magical curse being put upon rice plants. Now, the rice plants propagate the disease when reproducing. There is less and less rice free of the taint.
Causes
A curse put on the rice by a Black Mage intent on removing magic from the people of Octiragrin.
Symptoms
Rice plants are less hardy, less productive, and turn a sickly yellow green color.
Treatment
A newly discovered mold found in the Dark Beneath has been found to eat the magical bacteria with no damaging side effects to the rice plant.
Prognosis
If Defuse can be administered to all of Dronigath's rice crop, Fuse should be eradicated within a few growing seasons. The trick will be the delivery method.
Sequela
The rice plants tend to wilt faster than normal besides the other symptoms described above.
Affected Groups
Rice plants
Hosts & Carriers
Bacteria created by a magical curse is transmitted by the reproduction of second and subsequent generation rice plants.
Prevention
Treating the rice plants with Defuee mold.
Epidemiology
Fuse was introduced by a magical curse. Now, the plants propagate it when reproducing.
History
Fuse has only been on the scene for a few decades. It isn't known when it was first introduced into the rice crop, but the affects have only been felt in the last twenty years or so.
Cultural Reception
Feared by rice farmers and the mages due to its ill affects on rice crops and its ability to rob mages of their magic.
This is an interesting take on the prompt seeing as it's a sickness in a plant, I really like it. I do wonder, is rice a staple crop in this country? How much does this affect the people who rely on the rice?