'Zombie Deer Disease' Spreads to Beloved US National Park

The first known case of "Zombie Deer Disease," also known as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), has been confirmed in Yellowstone National Park in the US. CWD is a contagious and fatal illness that affects cervids, including deer, elk, caribou, reindeer, and moose. It is caused by a malformed protein (prion) that accumulates in the brain and other tissues, leading to physiological and behavioral changes, emaciation, and death. The disease is transmitted through direct animal-to-animal contact or contact with infectious particles in the environment. While there is currently no evidence that CWD can infect humans or domestic animals, it is recommended to avoid consuming tissues from infected animals.