Scientists Issue Warning as ‘Zombie Deer Disease’ Cases Surge in the US, Highlighting Potential Human Transmission
US researchers have issued a warning about the potential transmission of Chronic Wasting Zombie Deer Disease (CWD) from wildlife to humans across North America, as reported by The Independent. Often referred to as ‘zombie deer disease,’ this ailment, characterized by confusion and drooling in animals, was initially identified in Yellowstone National Park in November. The disease has been identified in 800 samples from deer, elk, and moose in Wyoming.
CWD is being termed a ”slow-moving disaster” by experts who strongly recommend that governments prepare for the possibility of human transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that CWD has been reported in 31 US states.
Zombie Deer Disease
Drawing parallels with the mad cow disease outbreak in Britain, Dr. Cory Anderson, a CWD researcher, expressed concerns about the potential for a similar spillover event from animals to humans. While no recorded cases of CWD in humans exist, the lack of a known method for eradicating the disease from infected animals or contaminated environments is causing alarm.
Fox News reports that, to date, there are no documented cases of CWD in humans. Nevertheless, some studies indicate a potential risk to monkeys that consume infected animal meat or come into contact with infected animal brains or bodily fluids.
The World Health Organization has advised since 1997 that preventing the entry of agents from all known prion diseases into the human food chain is crucial, as highlighted on the CDC website.
What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?
Chronic Wasting Disease, commonly known as ‘Zombie Deer Disease,’ is a contagious and fatal illness affecting cervids, which include deer, elk, caribou, reindeer, and moose. The disease is caused by a malformed protein (prion) that accumulates in the brain and other tissues, leading to physiological and behavioral changes, emaciation, and eventual death. Transmission occurs through direct animal-to-animal contact or indirectly through contact with infectious particles in the environment, such as feces, soil, or vegetation. Contamination of feed or pasture can also lead to infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it may take over a year for symptoms to manifest in deer, beginning with drastic weight loss, stumbling, and loss of energy. Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for CWD.
