Terrifying 'Zombie Deer' Disease May Infect Humans, Experts Warn

Deadly 'zombie deer' disease could infect humans. Experts warn it’s spreading through deer and pigs, posing a public health risk.

A deadly disease known as "zombie deer" could soon infect humans, raising alarms among experts in a recent report.

 

Minnesota, USA – A chilling warning about chronic wasting disease (CWD), also called "zombie deer disease," has been issued by scientists who say the disease may soon jump to humans. CWD, which leaves deer disoriented, drooling, and fearless of humans, is nearly 100% fatal.

 

According to a report funded by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the disease has already been detected in wild pigs that consumed infected meat. Dr. Michael Osterholm, a leading infectious disease researcher at the University of Minnesota, expressed serious concern: "If wild pigs can become infected, it’s likely domestic swine could be too. The implications for the pork and cattle markets are enormous."

 

CWD spreads through contact with the saliva, feces, blood, or tissues of infected animals. Alarmingly, experts say cooking meat does not neutralize the infectious prions responsible for the disease; in fact, it may concentrate them.

 

Millions of deer are hunted annually in the U.S., and pork remains one of the most consumed meats worldwide. If the disease spreads to domestic pigs or humans, the consequences could be catastrophic. While no human cases of CWD have been confirmed, the CDC warns this remains a future possibility.

 

The report also highlights the potential emergence of new, more infectious strains of CWD and calls for increased funding to contain the disease's spread. Experts urge hunters and consumers to handle meat cautiously and stay informed about risks.

 

With cases of CWD confirmed in at least 33 U.S. states, including Wyoming, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Pennsylvania, researchers fear the disease's reach is growing. Public awareness and investment in containment measures are critical to preventing this deadly disease from crossing the species barrier.