GREENSBORO, N.C. — You've probably heard of a "Zombie Deer Disease" spreading around the country. But what's fact and what's fiction?
First, let's start with the name, It's actually called "Chronic Wasting Disease." It affects wild deer, elk, and moose by eroding their brains. This causes the animal to drool and move slowly like a zombie.
It's always deadly to deer and there is no known cure. But to date, there have been no cases of the disease in humans. However, some experts have warned that the nature of the disease is similar to Mad Cow Disease, which can be transmitted to people. But before you start to panic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the overall occurrence of CWD is relatively low. The incidence rates have remained 10 percent or less in most places.
But if you're still worried, follow these guidelines from the CDC.
- If you're still worried about it follow these guidelines from the CDC.
Don't touch any road kill. - Hunters don't shoot, handle or eat meat from deer that look sick or are acting strangely.
- Experts also advise wearing gloves when dressing deer to avoid contamination.