'Zombie Deer Disease' has been reported in 22 states

Updated

The CDC has reported that the illness known as "Zombie Deer Disease" has been identified in 22 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.

Though scientifically known as Chronic Wasting Disease, the disease was colloquially dubbed "Zombie Deer Disease" because of the symptoms deer exhibit when they contract the illness, such as vacant stares, drooling and absence of fear of humans, according to the CDC.

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While the infection can be easily transmitted from one deer to another by way of bodily fluids like saliva, blood and urine, there is no evidence that people can be harmed by the infected meat, according to Colorado Public Radio.

However, scientists are growing concerned about the potential threat the disease can present to humans.

Last year, researchers at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency published a study that showed the illness could be transmitted to macaques, a species of monkey that is more genetically similar to humans than other mammals tested with the disease.

The results have raised concerns among experts who believe that the disease could potentially pose a risk to humans.

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Though there have been no reported infections in humans to date, the CDC is cautioning hunters and those who eat deer and elk to refrain from handling or consuming meat from an animal that appears sick, exhibits strange behavior or was found dead.

Click here to view the CDC's prevention guidelines.

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