Current:Home > Finance'Zombie deer disease' cases are rising in the US. Can the disease spread to humans? -AssetTrainer
'Zombie deer disease' cases are rising in the US. Can the disease spread to humans?
View
Date:2025-04-12 23:51:45
Experts aren't sure if "zombie deer disease" can spread to humans, but they're concerned about the rising number of cases and the potential of humans being impacted by exposure to infected deer.
Scientists are still unsure if humans can contract the illness, but the disease is being compared to mad cow disease.
"As of yet, there has been no transmission from deer or elk to humans," Jennifer Mullinax, an associate professor of wildlife ecology and management at the University of Maryland, told the BBC. "However, given the nature of [the disease], CDC and other agencies have supported all efforts to keep any prion disease out of the food chain."
Any documented transmission to humans would result in a crisis, according to research published in a presentation by Michael Osterholm, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.
The research calls for agencies to be prepared for the disastrous consequences of the disease spreading to humans or production animals, like cattle. It also states that the increasing spread could lead to the emergence of new strains.
"To date, ten chronic wasting disease (CWD strains) have been characterized," the presentation states. "The expanding range of CWD in North America and its presence in South Korea as well as Scandinavian countries will potentially result in millions of [deer] infected with CWD."
USA TODAY reached out to Osterholm and other members for the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, but have not heard back yet.
Zombie deer disease:Why scientists say humans should 'be prepared'.
What is 'zombie deer disease'?
The disease, also known as chronic wasting disease, is a type of prion disease, a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorders. While scientists are still unsure if this specific strain can spread to a person, prion diseases in general can affect both humans and animals.
Mad cow disease is an example of a prion that can spread from cattle to humans.
CWD affects deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer and moose, according to the CDC. Afflicted animals have been found in Canada, the United States, Norway and South Korea.
How does 'zombie deer disease' spread?
Scientists believe the disease's proteins, or prions, spread through the following:
- Feces
- Saliva
- Blood
- Urine
Experts say the disease can also spread quickly throughout a population.
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture.
You can follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz.
veryGood! (1)
Related
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Snoop Dogg mourns death of younger brother Bing Worthington: 'You always made us laugh'
- Spring sports tryout tips: Be early, be prepared, be confident
- You Won't Be Able to Get These Photos of Lenny Kravitz Off Your Mind
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Venezuela bribery witness gets light sentence in wake of Biden’s pardoning of Maduro ally
- Longtime Maryland coach, Basketball Hall of Famer Lefty Driesell dies at 92
- You Won't Believe These Celebrity Look-Alikes Aren't Actually Related
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Why Ukraine needs U.S. funding, and why NATO says that funding is an investment in U.S. security
Ranking
- Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
- Prosecutor: Grand jury decides against charges in troopers’ shooting of 2 after pursuit, kidnapping
- Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo suspended two games for PED violation, per report
- Target launches new brand 'dealworthy' that will give shoppers big savings on items
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Another endangered whale was found dead off East Coast. This one died after colliding with a ship
- The Daily Money: New to taxes or status changed?
- State governments looking to protect health-related data as it’s used in abortion battle
Recommendation
Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
NBA commissioner for a day? Vince Staples has some hilarious ideas – like LeBron throwing a chair
Horoscopes Today, February 16, 2024
2 juveniles charged in Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting that killed 1, injured 22
Travis Hunter, the 2
Internal affairs inquiry offers details of DUI investigation into off-duty Nevada officer
Why ESPN's Jay Williams is unwilling to say that Caitlin Clark is 'great'
13 men, including an American, arrested at Canada hotel and charged with luring minors for sexual abuse