‘Zombie deer disease’ spreads in Florida as officials confirm second case
The animal health authorities in the United States are battling to contain the “zombie deer disease”, which has sparked concerns of further spread.
A second case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWS) has been reported in Holmes County, Florida, located near the border of Alabama.
The chronic disease, also referred to as zombie deer disease, accelerates once transmitted and poses a significant threat to the deer population.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has revealed the latest victim of the disease is a four-and-a-half-year-old white tailed deer. They further added that the disease was discovered after the animal died in a road collision.
The commission added that a comprehensive response plan has been initiated, adding, “FWC will collect samples from specific established zones to further assess the spread of the disease.”
The second case is discovered within one mile radius of where the first was found nearly two years ago.
Chronic Wasting Disease has a 100 per cent mortality rate and it can result in sharp decline in deer population if not contained properly.
It was named zombie deer disease due to zombie-like symptoms displayed by the animal after it contacts it. Symptoms include drastic weight loss, stumbling, drooling, lowered ear, poor body and coat conditions.
Deer are an important part of the ecosystem as a study by Ohio State University concluded that these species have a positive impact on reptile and bird population.