Zombie Deer Disease

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), often called “Zombie Deer Disease,” has been detected in Georgia for the first time.

• Recent reports indicate that CWD has been detected in wild pigs, raising concerns about its potential spread to domestic pigs and possibly humans through the pork supply.
• CWD is a fatal prion disease affecting deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. It damages the brain, leading to neurological degeneration.
• Symptoms: The disease causes weight loss, behavioral changes, drooling, stumbling, and a lack of coordination, which gives the appearance of a “zombie” deer.

Transmission: It spreads through contact with infected saliva, feces, urine, or carcasses. The prions that cause CWD can remain in the environment for long periods, increasing the risk of transmission.