Chronic Wasting Disease in Deer Raises Concerns for Human Health
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal neurological illness affecting deer, is spreading across North America, raising concerns among wildlife agencies and public health researchers. Known as 'zombie deer' disease, CWD is caused by prions, misfolded proteins that lead to brain damage. The disease is transmissible among deer and can persist in the environment, making eradication difficult. While there are no confirmed human cases, the potential for transmission to humans remains a concern, especially for those consuming infected deer meat. The disease has been reported in 36 U.S. states and several other countries.