A deadly infection that’s come to be known as ‘zombie deer disease’ is spreading across North America, a new report warns.
Formally called chronic wasting disease, the illness attacks the brain, spinal cord, and other tissues in deer, elk, and moose.
It eventually leads to death – but, not before causing the animal to dramatically lose weight and coordination, and become aggressive.
According to the CDC, the disease was reported in at least 24 states in the US and two Canadian provinces as of January 2019, up two states since last year.
A deadly infection that’s come to be known as ‘zombie deer disease’ is spreading across North America, a new report warns. Formally called chronic wasting disease, the illness attacks the brain, spinal cord, and other tissues in deer, elk, and moose. File photo
As of January 2019, Chronic wasting disease (CWD), also known as ‘zombie deer disease,’ has been reported in 24 US states and two Canadian provinces.
The infection attacks the brain, spinal cord, and other tissues in deer, elk, and moose, resulting in dramatic weight loss, lack of coordination, and even aggression before they eventually die.
There is no evidence yet that it can infect humans, and no such cases have been reported, according to the CDC.
But, a recent study found macaques could get the disease after consuming infected meat, sparking fears that a variant that also infects humans could eventually emerge.
Officials are urging precaution to minimize any potential risks.
Though warnings over ‘zombie deer disease’ over the past few years have caused many to draw parallels to the mad cow epidemic, there’s so far no evidence that people can be harmed
