It is one of the greatest fears of humanity, inspired by a bulk of Hollywood movies, and scientists do believe that a zombie outbreak could happen. While it would be impossible to believe that the dead would rise and feed on the living, experts do think that a parasite could effect the brain or a virus could evolve. A parasite known as toxoplasmosa gondii is known to infect the brains of rodents. The parasite can then manipulate the rodent’s behaviour to make it fearless around cats – where the parasite is hoping to end up.

Toxoplasma can make rodents unafraid of cats

The parasite has the ability to make the rodent head towards a cat where it will be eaten. However, what worries scientists is how similar rats and humans are – which is why they are used for testing drugs and medical breakthroughs. It is already believed that half of humans around the world have a dormant version of the parasite on their brains in the form of harmless cysts.

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that controls the brain

Nonetheless, for some with immune deficiencies, the parasite has taken over which has been linked to schizophrenia and suicidal tendencies. A study from the University of California revealed that the parasite is more powerful than previously thought. Wendy Ingham, who was involved in the study, says that the team tested the parasite on mice which were ultimately unfazed by the presence of a predator once infected.

Rabies has a zombification affect on animals

She warned that toxoplasma is dangerous: “The idea that this parasite knows more about our brains than we do, and has the ability to exert desired change in complicated rodent behaviour, is absolutely fascinating. “Toxoplasma has done a phenomenal job of figuring out mammalian brains in order to enhance its transmission through a complicated life cycle.” Other experts however believe that viruses are what will ultimately turn the human race into zombies.

A zombie outbreak IS possible

Dr. Ben Neuman, a professor of virology at the University of Reading, believes that a virus such as rabies could evolve and conquer humanity. He told Yahoo: “There are parasites out there that get close to making actual walking around zombies.

The Walking Dead season 7: Who is Negan's victim? Mon, October 26, 2015 The UK premiere of The Walking Dead airs tomorrow. Here are the character images to get you ready for the hit US TV show. Play slideshow PH 1 of 26 Glenn, played by Steve Yeun arranges his weapons