What Is Zombie Deer Disease (Chronic Wasting Disease)?

Treatment Options

Currently, no curative treatment options exist for chronic wasting disease, and scientists can only recommend practices that could contain the disease in the animal population. However, containment can be very difficult since tests for the condition can only be done after an animal has died, and results can take up to two weeks. Currently, treatment options would focus on treating the symptoms instead of attempting to cure the disease. If the disease did transfer to humans, patients would be given supportive care such as oxygen therapy, breathing assistance, anticonvulsants, and intravenous fluids. Scientists hope one day a vaccine or an oral treatment may be available for both animal and human use. Researchers are also looking into the development of a test that could rapidly identify whether a piece of deer meat is infected with zombie deer disease. This would help hunters protect themselves and make an informed choice about whether to eat the meat of a particular animal.

Learn about how to prevent zombie deer disease next.