Incurable 'Zombie Deer' disease may infect humans

New Delhi: Amid the HMPV scare, a new terrifying disease appears to be knocking at our doors. According to reports, the so-called "Zombie Deer" disease may soon start infecting humans.

What Is Zombie Deer Disease?
Known scientifically as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), this neurological condition primarily affects deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. It causes symptoms like disorientation, excessive salivation, and a loss of fear toward humans. Earlier detected in at least 33 U.S. states, including Wyoming, Wisconsin, Colorado, and parts of Pennsylvania, the disease has no known cure, vaccine, or treatment.

Can Humans Get Infected?
Researchers warn of a possible jump to humans, especially through the consumption of infected meat. Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert, told the Daily Mail: "We know people are exposed to prions [infectious proteins causing CWD] through meat consumption. What we don’t yet understand is what would trigger human infection."

There is growing concern about the disease's spread to feral pigs, potentially endangering domestic pigs and livestock. Dr. Osterholm added: "If feral pigs can get infected, domestic swine might also be at risk. This could have massive implications for the livestock industry."

How Does It Spread?
CWD prions are highly contagious and spread through body fluids such as saliva, feces, blood, or urine, either by direct contact or environmental contamination. Once present in an area, prions remain infectious in soil, water, and plants for years, posing long-term risks to animal populations.

The CDC warns that cooking infected meat does not destroy prions, and hunters or consumers of venison are at higher risk. Approximately 6 million deer are hunted annually in the U.S., making this a pressing public health concern.

Concerns grew in 2024 after cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) raised fears of a potential link to CWD. However, the CDC clarified that no confirmed human cases of CWD have been reported.

Dr. Cory Anderson, co-director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, cautioned:
"The mad cow disease outbreak in Britain showed how quickly things can spiral when diseases jump from animals to humans. While we don’t know if CWD will follow a similar path, preparedness is crucial."

Zombie Deer Disease: Precautions

1. Avoid shooting or consuming deer and elk that appear sick or behave abnormally.
2. Wear gloves when dressing animals and avoid contact with brain or spinal tissues.
3. Use separate tools for processing game meat.
4. Test animals for CWD before consuming their meat.
5. If an animal tests positive for CWD, do not consume its meat.