(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) Zombie Deer Disease

(NOVEMBER-2025)

Health officials in Florida recently have confirmed cases of Chronic Wasting Disease, commonly known as “Zombie Deer Disease.”

It is a fatal prion disease affecting deer, elk, moose, and reindeer that causes brain damage, weight loss,
behavioral changes, drooling, and death.
Cause: Misfolded prion proteins- a protein infectious particle that is found in some tissues of infected animals.
Spread: Through saliva, urine, feces, blood, and contaminated soil/water/plants. Scavengers and hunters using
deer-urine lures can spread it.
Human Risk: No confirmed human cases, but potential risk cannot be ruled out.
Symptoms in Animals: Wasting, stumbling, drooping ears, drooling, listlessness.
Treatment: No cure or vaccine available.