Scientists warn ‘zombie deer disease’ could spread to humans as cases surge across US Chronic wasting disease was found in 800 samples of deer

Scientists warn ‘zombie deer disease’ could spread to humans as cases surge across US Chronic wasting disease was found in 800 samples of deer, elk and moose across Wyoming, United States Alexander Butler Deer chased through school by police Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Scientists have warned a “zombie deer disease” could spread to humans after hundreds of animals were infected with the illness in the US over the last year. Chronic wasting disease (CWD), which leaves animals drooling, lethargic, stumbling and with a blank stare, has been found in 800 samples of deer, elk and moose across Wyoming.Deer chased through school by police

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Scientists have warned a “zombie deer disease” could spread to humans after hundreds of animals were infected with the illness in the US over the last year.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD), which leaves animals drooling, lethargic, stumbling and with a blank stare, has been found in 800 samples of deer, elk and moose across Wyoming.

But experts warned the disease was a “slow-moving disaster” and urged governments to prepare for the possibility of it spreading to humans.

“The mad cow disease outbreak in Britain provided an example of how, overnight, things can get crazy when a spillover event happens from, say, livestock to people,” CWD researcher Dr Cory Anderson told The Guardian.

“We’re talking about the potential of something similar occurring. No one is saying that it’s definitely going to happen, but it’s important for people to be prepared.”