Really, I have no idea where the GMO/conspiracy thing comes from; it doesn't seem relevant IMHO. (Love the sheep .gif, though.)

I visit Vancouver Island regularly. The Island has been dealing with versions of this fungus for over ten years. There were some hot spots IIRC, in areas that are otherwise magnificent to visit.

If there's a new, nastier version, I want to know about it. Especially since if I seek medical treatment, it will be a thousand miles away. I may need to point this out to local physicians as a possibility; it won't be on their short list.

BTW, I also have a vague recollection that some areas in Ontario had problems with a soil/air borne fungus infecting pets and people. May be a different strain entirely.