Olde Hornet
Well-Known Member
Chronic wasting disease is sometimes referred to as "zombie deer disease," or affected deer can be called "zombie deer" due to the neurological signs of the disease, which include weight loss, lack of coordination, listlessness and drooling.
The disease mainly affects free-ranging deer, elk and moose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Although there have been no infections in humans, scientists warned that the disease is a "slow moving disaster" for humans.
Can zombie deer disease spread to humans?
While there have been no infections to humans, some scientists are sounding the alarm that governments prepare for the potential for CWD to spread.Dr. Cory Anderson, a program co-director at the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), told The Guardian, "The mad cow disease outbreak in Britain provided an example of how, overnight, things can get crazy when a spillover event happens from, say, livestock to people."
Anderson said it's important to be prepared in case the disease does spread to humans. "We're talking about the potential of something similar occurring. No one is saying that it's definitely going to happen, but it's important for people to be prepared," he added.