Zombie Deer Disease Reported in Several Utah Counties

A case of the so-called "zombie deer disease" has been reported in several Utah counties, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "

"Zombie deer disease," or Chronic Wasting Disease, is a rare rare progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer and moose.

CDC officials say the disease has been found in Carbon, Daggett, Grand, San Juan, Sanpete, Uintah, and Utah counties.

It can possibly affect humans if someone were to eat infected meat, according to the CDC. So far, there have been no reported cases of CWD infection in people.

It may take over a year before an infected animal develops symptoms, which can include drastic weight loss, stumbling, listlessness other neurologic symptoms, the CDC says.

CWD is fatal to animals and there are no treatments or vaccines.

As of January 2019, there were 251 counties in 24 states across the country with reported CWD in free-range deer and other cervids.

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