The “Zombie” Deer Disease We’d Better Understand

Hunters and fans of deer, elk and moose meat may have a growing threat to worry about. At least 25 U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces have confirmed cases of a deadly and contagious disease ravaging wild and domestic game populations. This “zombie” deer disease causes muscle wasting, reduced coordination and behavioral changes in these animals, is similar to “mad cow disease,” and we don’t yet know if it’s a human threat for those who consume the meat.

The “zombie” deer disease has been confirmed in at least 25 U.S. states. Believed to be caused by improperly folded proteins in the brain, the disease is similar to “mad cow” disease. It hasn’t appeared to affect animals other than deer, elk and moose, but the actual data on infections in both cattle and humans is too premature to say for sure. Take precautions when hunting, dressing or eating game where infected deer could be present.

Devastating Illness

The zombie deer disease, also known as chronic wasting disease (CWD), is a neurological condition that strikes animals in the cervid (or deer) family. This includes deer, elk and moose. Within these populations, CWD can pass easily via contact with infected saliva, feces, urine and other tissues. This makes it highly contagious, although authorities don’t believe the disease is currently capable of being transmitted to cattle or other animals.

Physical signs of CWD usually take 18-24 months to show. Symptoms can include severe weight loss, repetitive and bizarre behaviors, tremors, increased salivation, stumbling and other signs of reduced coordination. (Hence why some are calling it the “zombie” disease.) Fortunately, asymptomatic animals can be tested, and efforts are being made in many states to improve diagnostic strategies across larger populations.

There is no vaccine against CWD, and there is currently no treatment. Infected animals will eventually die as a result of the disease.

Authorities believe the symptoms are caused by abnormal proteins building up in the brain, leading it to become damaged. These proteins, called prions, are nearly indestructible and may be responsible for a number of different neurodegenerative conditions.

Threat to Humans Unknown

No human cases of CWD have ever been reported, but our understanding of the disease is still limited. One 6-year study followed 81 people who had ingested infected deer meat, finding no unusual symptoms in any of the participants. However, the incubation time for humans who’ve contracted bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE, also known as “mad cow” disease), which is structurally similar to CWD, is about 10 years. So it’s possible CWD also takes its time developing in humans.

Put simply, just because no one has connected a case of human illness to infected deer, doesn’t mean humans can’t get infected. There’s a chance people could start showing symptoms in years to come — and even a chance CWD will jump species at a later time if it hasn’t already.

So our thought is to eat cervid meat in infected areas with caution. States where CWD is most prevalent include Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois and Michigan.

Additionally, it may be best to avoid shooting or handling cervids that look ill or behave strangely, use protective gloves when dressing any animal and avoid contact with the brain and spinal cord. If you have your meat commercially processed, make sure it isn’t coming into contact or being cross-contaminated with other meat sources. You can also see if CWD testing is available in your area, which is the only way to be certain your meat is safe from CWD.

Chronic wasting disease may be on the rise, but since we can’t be sure of the possibilities, taking precautions could spare you and your loved ones a lot of misery in the future. It can be easy to take for granted that our meat all comes from healthy sources, but that might not always be the case. Be aware of the threats and take measures to reduce your personal risks. With something like this, it’s better to be safe than sorry.