In a growing concern for public health, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), often referred to as Zombie Deer Disease, is spreading among deer populations in Canada and the United States, prompting scientists to closely monitor the possibility of transmission to humans.
Similar to Mad Cow Disease, chronic wasting disease is a prion disease, and scientists are troubled by its potential to jump from deer to humans. The disease is primarily transmitted through bodily fluids or contaminated sources such as food, soil, and water.
Hunters are being strongly advised to test their meat for signs of the disease to prevent potential exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), localized infections have been identified, with approximately 25% of deer and elk in certain areas testing positive for the disease.
Notably, the disease has already crossed species boundaries, infecting squirrel monkeys and lab mice, heightening concerns about its adaptability and potential to affect humans.
Symptoms of chronic wasting disease can take up to a year to manifest and include neurological issues such as drooling, stumbling, confusion, and weight loss. Currently, there is no known cure for the disease, adding to the urgency of understanding and preventing its spread.
As scientists and health officials grapple with the evolving situation, the call for increased vigilance and testing in deer populations underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard against potential risks to both animal and human health.
What is Zombie Deer Disease:
Zombie Deer Disease,” scientifically known as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), is a fatal neurological disorder affecting deer, elk, and moose. The disease belongs to a group of disorders called prion diseases, which involve the abnormal accumulation of misfolded prion proteins in the brain and nervous tissues. CWD has gained the colloquial name “Zombie Deer Disease” due to the noticeable symptoms it induces in infected animals. These symptoms include drastic weight loss, stumbling, drooling, aggression, lack of fear of humans, and a generally lethargic and emaciated appearance. The disease has raised significant concerns among scientists and wildlife experts.
