Zombie deer disease: Scientists concerned over transmission to humans. Check key details here

Zombie deer disease or chronic wasting disease has been taking centre stage these days owing to the sudden rise in cases. The disease usually affects deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer and moose. It has been found in some areas of North America, Canada, United States, Norway and South Korea.

The disease has been found in 800 samples of deer, elk and moose across Wyoming. The major reason for fear came as experts are worried that this is a slow-moving disaster and is likely to spread to human beings with no treatment or vaccines available.

How is this disease transmitted?

Scientists believe CWD proteins (prions) likely spread between animals through body fluids like feces, saliva, blood, or urine, either through direct contact or indirectly through environmental contamination of soil, food or water.

"Once introduced into an area or farm, the CWD protein is contagious within deer and elk populations and can spread quickly. Experts believe CWD prions can remain in the environment for a long time, so other animals can contract CWD from the environment even after an infected deer or elk has died," said CDC on the disease.

What are the precautions one should take?

• Do not shoot, handle or eat meat from deer and elk that look sick or are acting strangely or are found dead (road-kill).
• Wear latex or rubber gloves when dressing the animal or handling the meat.
• Minimize how much you handle the organs of the animal, particularly the brain or spinal cord tissues.
  Do not use household knives or other kitchen utensils for field dressing.
• Check state wildlife and public health guidance to see whether testing of animals is recommended or required.
• Strongly consider having the deer or elk tested for CWD before you eat the meat.
• If you have your deer or elk commercially processed, consider asking that your animal be processed individually to avoid mixing meat from multiple animals.
• If your animal tests positive for CWD, do not eat meat from that animal.

(with ToI inputs)