A terrifying disease affecting deer in the United States attacks their brains and causes the animals to appear apathetic and disoriented. Because they resemble the undead, the condition is also called “zombie deer disease.” Now the epidemic is said to have cost the lives of two people.
It has long been believed that Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) cannot be transmitted to humans. But a new study now raises concerns: two hunters died after eating deer meat.
Dead men showed symptoms similar to those of deer
The researchers who investigated the 2022 deaths said in their article that a 72-year-old hunter showed symptoms similar to those of the animals. He also suffered from confusion and aggressiveness before he died. The symptoms developed rapidly and the patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated. A friend who ate the same meat was also dead a short time later.
Affected animals are listed in this article:
“The patient’s medical history, including a similar case in his social group, suggests possible new transmission of CWD from animals to humans.” Further research is necessary because it cannot be ruled out that the two hunters died of CWD, a similar disease, according to the study by the medical team from Texas, published in the “Neurology Journal”.
Brains are destroyed by disease
CWD causes proteins in the brain to malfunction and spreads quickly. The brain develops a spongy, hole-like structure after prolonged contamination. There is currently no cure – the disease is always fatal. It is transmitted through excretory products such as saliva, blood, urine or feces and the pathogen survives for a long time in the soil – it can remain infectious for decades.
Symptoms of the disease include extreme weight loss, stumbling, aggressiveness and lethargy. Infected animals are also noticeable by grinding their teeth, shaking, twitching of the head and a fixed gaze.
Cases also confirmed in Northern Europe
Not only has the disease been discovered in North America, but in recent years the disease has also emerged in Europe. Dead reindeer and moose in Norway tested positive for CWD. A confirmed case of CWD was also reported in Finland.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
