ZOMBIE DEER DISEASE SPREADS TO ANOTHER US STATE: ALL ABOUT IT

An alarming update has come in connection with the Zombie deer disease which leaves animals drooling and confused. As per reports, the disease is spreading and has hit another US state.

The disease has been spotted in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia recently, making the first case of detection of the case outside the Yellowstone National Park, where it was first detected in November 2023.

"During recent white-tailed deer reduction operations and subsequent disease sampling at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, two deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Both animals were from the Jefferson County, West Virginia portion of the park. This is the first CWD-positive detection at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Two nearby national parks in Maryland - Antietam and Monocacy national battlefields - also recently received their first CWD-positive test results earlier this year," an official statement from the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park has said.

Guidelines have been released and visitors have been warned to notify the employees of the National Park if they see any animal sick or dead animal. "Always keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid touching or handling dead or sick wild animals. Some disease-causing organisms can be passed between wild animals and people. It is recommended that people not eat any part of an animal that is suspected or confirmed to have CWD," the guidelines read.

READ ALSO: World Malaria Day 2024: Health tips for quick recovery

Zombie deer disease, scientifically known as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), is a fatal neurological illness affecting deer, elk, and moose. It's caused by prions, misfolded proteins that damage brain tissue. Symptoms include emaciation, abnormal behavior, and loss of bodily functions. CWD spreads through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments, posing a threat to wildlife populations and potentially to humans through consumption of infected meat. While there's no evidence of CWD transmission to humans, health authorities recommend caution and proper disposal of infected carcasses to prevent further spread.

108980990

For more news like this visit TOI. Get all the Latest News, City News, India News, Business News, and Sports News. For Entertainment News, TV News, and Lifestyle Tips visit Etimes

2024-04-25T18:41:16Z dg43tfdfdgfd