What is zombie deer disease detected in the US?

There are clouds of concern resurging in the United States as the chronic wasting disease (CWD), commonly known as "zombie deer" disease, has reared its head. It has reignited fears among wildlife experts and the general public. Despite successful containment efforts in the past, recent cases, including one in Yellowstone National Park, underscore the persistent threat posed by this fatal prion disease, as reported by the New York Post.

Originally identified in captive deer in a Colorado research facility in the late 1960s, CWD made its way into the wild deer population by 1981. Since then, it has spread alarmingly, affecting at least 31 states across all regions of the continental United States, says the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. This disease is not confined to U.S. borders; it has also been reported in Canada, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and South Korea.

Read also: Early detection and prevention of heart failure​

CWD is a prion disease that targets deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer, and moose. The subtle nature of this disease is highlighted by the fact that infected animals may take over a year to show symptoms, including drastic weight loss, stumbling, listlessness, and neurological issues. Unfortunately, there is no cure or vaccine for CWD, making prevention a critical focus.

While there have been no reported cases of CWD infection in humans, recent studies raise concerns about the potential risk to certain non-human primates. The World Health Organization has long emphasized the importance of preventing the agents of prion diseases, like CWD, from entering the human food chain.

Given the potential risks, hunters are urged to take specific precautions:
- Avoid animals that appear sick or behave strangely.
- Use latex or rubber gloves when handling and dressing animals.
- Minimize contact with organs, especially brain or spinal cord tissues.
- Use dedicated tools for field dressing to avoid cross-contamination.
- Check state wildlife guidelines for recommended or required testing.
- Consider individual testing for CWD before consuming meat.
- If an animal tests positive, do not consume its meat.

Read also: Bangladesh undergoing the worst ever dengue outbreak: Key points​

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is actively involved in regulating commercially farmed deer and elk. A national CWD herd certification program has been established to reduce the risk of CWD in herds. However, privately owned herds that do not participate in the certification program may face increased vulnerability.

Scientists believe that CWD spreads between animals through body fluids and can persist in the environment for an extended period. Urgent research is underway to determine the potential risks to humans, emphasizing the need for preventive measures and heightened awareness.