It’s the plot of a science fiction horror film: picture a deer roaming about mindlessly, gazing blankly into space, salivating non-stop, unfazed by humans. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has insidiously infected North America’s wildlife over the last forty years, quietly infecting deer, elk, and moose.
The disease is always deadly, there is no cure. And worst of all, scientists are increasingly concerned about a chilling possibility: might it cross over from animals to humans? If so, warn experts, it could be a global crisis. But for all its otherworldly title, ‘zombie deer disease,’ this isn’t a myth. This is reality, it’s on the move, and scientists say we’re not prepared for what’s next.
What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?
CWD is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder of deer, elk, and moose. It’s prion-caused: misfolded proteins that induce brain damage. The disease is transmitted through body fluids, contaminated environments, and even mother-to-offspring. Once infected, there’s no going back.
A ‘Slow-Motion Disaster’
CWD was initially detected in 1981 in Colorado and Wyoming and spread quietly for decades. Now, it has been diagnosed in 36 U.S. states, parts of Canada, Scandinavia, and even South Korea. Scientists caution that this slow-moving disaster can have devastating effects.
The Symptoms—Why ‘Zombie Deer Disease’ is Misleading
Infected animals appear to have lost drastic amounts of weight, have confusion, drool profusely, and have an unsettling, blank stare. But referring to it as ‘zombie deer disease’ aggravates scientists. “It sounds like a joke,” comments epidemiologist Michael Osterholm. The truth is not funny—this condition is 100% deadly.
How Does CWD Spread?
Unlike viruses or bacteria, CWD prions are virtually invincible. They survive for years in soil and water, infecting new animals long after a contaminated animal dies. Hunters, farmers, and wildlife managers are fighting to slow the relentless spread of this illness.
Might It Jump to Humans?
There have been no human cases yet. But scientists are very concerned. Other prion diseases like it – mad cow disease, for example – have already successfully jumped from one species to another. Some scientists think it’s not a question of whether CWD will too, but when.
What Would Human Spillover Be Like?
A group of 67 experts cautions that if CWD spillover occurs, consequences would be disastrous. It would affect food supply, agriculture, international trade, and above all, human health.
The Government Response—Or Non-Response
No national and no global strategy to fight CWD exists, despite growing panic. Experts declare that America is not ready for a possible human spillover. Budgets are meager, and containment strategies lag behind.
Hunters and Consumers Must Know
Experts advise testing deer for CWD prior to consumption. The CDC advises against the consumption of infected meat, but countless hunters do so unknowingly. With thousands of possibly infected venison being consumed annually, the threat is increasing.
What Can Be Done?
Scientists demand stricter laws, more money for research, and public awareness campaigns. Improved monitoring, ethical hunting practices, and funds for detection techniques are needed to halt CWD’s spread.
The Future—A Ticking Time Bomb?
The clock is ticking. CWD is spreading relentlessly, and the specter of a species jump hangs over us. Will we act in time? Or will we wait until we see the first human caseonly to realize, too late, that we took this much more lightly than we should have?
Explore more of our trending stories and hit Follow to keep them coming to your feed!
Don’t miss out on more stories like this! Hit the Follow button at the top of this article to stay updated with the latest news. Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
