24 'zombie' deer found infected in Ohio counties

Hunters in Ohio have reported finding 24 white-tailed deer infected with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), also known as "zombie disease." This infection has been identified in five counties: Allen, Hardin, Marion, Morrow, and Wyandot. The Ohio Department of National Resources stated that these cases were discovered during the 2024-25 hunting season, among more than 5,700 tests conducted. CWD is a fatal disease that affects deer and related animals. It is caused by misfolded proteins called prions, which damage the brain and lead to severe symptoms. Infected deer often display weight loss, strange behavior, and lack of coordination, which is why they are referred to as "zombie deer." While CWD has been confirmed in 34 states and several other countries, there have been no reported cases of it spreading to humans. Health experts recommend that people refrain from eating meat from infected deer. Research shows that humans have a strong resistance to CWD, suggesting they are unlikely to contract prion diseases from eating contaminated meat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports these findings and advises caution. A study published in 2024 indicates that while CWD prions are similar to those causing human prion diseases, the likelihood of transmission is very low. This positive outlook gives hope that humans are not at risk from consuming meat from CWD-infected deer.