After the viral zombie drug and zombie virus, people on the internet are curious about the zombie deer disease. This weird, debilitating, and highly infectious virus is wreaking havoc on deer populations across the US. We will decode what zombie deer disease is, its effects, and why scientists are concerned about it.
Zombie deer disease, or chronic wasting disease, is a mysterious and dangerous infection that poses a significant threat to deer and elk populations in the US. While there is currently no evidence of transmission to humans, it is imperative to take precautions when handling and consuming deer and elk meat. By being aware of the risks and following recommended guidelines, we can help minimise the spread of this alarming disease.
What is Zombie Deer Disease?
Zombie deer disease, scientifically known as chronic wasting disease (CWD), is a disease that affects various species of deer, elk, reindeer, caribou, and moose. The disease was first discovered in Colorado in 1967. Misfiled proteins called prions cause the damage to the brain and nervous system by affecting them.
Unlike viruses and bacteria that take over host cells, CWD does not include any genetic information. These prions are highly resistant to decontamination and can persist in the environment for years. Once infected, the disease takes over a deer’s neurological system and is always deadly.
Symptoms and Spread
Deer infected with zombie deer disease may display a range of symptoms, including drooling, stumbling, lack of coordination, sadness, behavioural abnormalities, and paralysis. In some cases, infected deer may lose their fear of people and other predators. Because of these symptoms, some observers have dubbed it the zombie disease.
CWD can spread through animal-to-animal contact, particularly through urine and saliva. Infected deer may take a few years to develop outward signs of the disease, which usually only arise in the later stages. However, even in the earlier stages, they can still transmit the illness to other animals.
Can Zombie Deer Disease Spread to Humans?
Experts emphasize that the disease, found in numerous samples of deer, elk, and moose across the US, constitutes a slow-moving disaster. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that zombie deer disease can spread to humans. However, caution is still advised.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that humans can potentially be compromised by CWD. This can occur through inadequate handling of infected carcasses, which could allow blood or spinal and brain substances to enter the body. Additionally, there is a potential risk of infection through the ingestion of infected flesh, as the prions that cause CWD are not degraded and remain infectious even when cooked.
Animal studies, particularly those involving non-human primates like monkeys, have shown that these animals can contract the disease when they come into contact with the brain or body fluids of infected deer or elk. Humans have not reported any spillover cases so far, but it does not guarantee that they will not experience it in the future.
Precautionary Measures
Given the potential risks associated with zombie deer disease, there are several precautionary measures that individuals can take to minimise the spread of the disease:
- Avoid shooting, handling, or consuming meat from deer and elk that exhibit signs of illness or unusual behavior, or those discovered dead.
- When dressing the animal or handling the meat, wear latex or rubber gloves to minimise direct contact.
- Avoid excessive handling of the organs, particularly the brain or spinal cord tissues.
- Do not use household knives or other kitchen utensils for field dressing.
In 2017, the Alliance for Public Wildlife estimated that humans were unwittingly consuming 7,000 to 15,000 animals infected with CWD each year. To avoid contributing to this number, it is crucial to follow these precautionary measures.