"International Effort Launched to Prepare for Potential Human Transmission of Lethal Deer Disease"

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), also known as "zombie deer disease," poses a potential threat to human health and the economy, with experts warning of a possible spillover to humans similar to mad cow disease. The University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) has launched an international effort to prepare for this scenario, bringing together experts to address public health and animal surveillance, diagnostics, and planning. CWD is caused by infectious proteins called prions and can be contracted by consuming contaminated meat from infected deer, elk, reindeer, or moose. While no human cases have been reported, the disease's long incubation period and potential for fecal-oral transmission raise concerns about its impact on human health.