Deadly ZOMBIE deer disease "spreads rapidly in the United States" – and humans could be next

A deadly and infectious disease known as "zombie deer disease" would spread quickly in the United States – and humans could be next, an expert warned.

Chronic debilitating disease (CWD) is currently occurring in deer, elk and moose in 24 states and two Canadian provinces.

The disease attacks the brain, spinal cord and other tissues of the creature, before causing death.

It also causes considerable weight loss, loss of coordination and hyperaggressive crises.

The disease has earned its nickname because of the bizarre symptoms it causes, including an empty stare and loose ribs, as it causes a physical dieback of the animal (photo: a deer suffering from CPP)

This week, Michael Osterhold, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, has issued a warning about the possible effects on human lawmakers of the state.

"It is likely that human cases of chronic debilitating disease badociated with the consumption of contaminated meat will be documented in the coming years," Osterhold said.

"It is possible that the number of human cases is substantial and not an isolated event."

Osterhold equating MDC with mad cow disease that swept the UK in the 1980s and 1990s, killing more than 150 people.

CWD was first seen in the wild about 40 years ago, but was seen in captive deer in the late 1960s.

There has been no documented case of humans contracting the MDC, but recent research shows that it can be transmitted to other animals, including primates.

Michael Oldster (above), director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, has issued a warning about the possible effects on humans

According to the CDC, the disease has now been reported in at least 24 states in the continental United States and in two Canadian provinces, an increase of two states over last year. Areas with reports of the disease are indicated in red

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most likely contraction method is to consume infected meat – a bit like the mad cow disease has appeared.

Currently, up to 15,000 infected deer are consumed each year, a number that is expected to increase by 20% annually, according to Mr Osterhold.

When asked what the odds were that humans were infected with MDC, Osterhold compared it to a "genetic roulette spin".

Up to now, the CWD has been primarily developed in northern Colorado and southern Wyoming, and it has spread since.

Formerly known as chronic debilitating disease, it attacks the brain, spinal cord and other tissues of deer, elk and moose.

The result is finally death (in the photo: an emaciated deer who died from the MDC)

"Since 2000, the area affected by CWD in free-living animals has grown to at least 24 states, including Midwestern, Southwestern and limited areas of the east coast," says the CDC.

"It is possible that MDC also occurs in other states without effective animal surveillance systems, but cases have not yet been detected.

"Once CWD is established in an area, the risk can remain in the environment for a long time. The affected areas are likely to continue to grow. & # 39;

The disease has earned its nickname because of the strange symptoms it causes, including an empty stare and exposed ribs, as it causes a physical decline of the animal.

"People need to understand the meaning of that. We can not wait for the first cases to arrive, "said Osterholm.