Chronic wasting disease has been identified in deer, elk and/or moose in at least 24 states and two Canadian provinces since the beginning of the year, according to CDC data. No vaccines or treatments exist for the disease, and it is always fatal.
“It is probable that human cases of chronic wasting disease associated with consumption of contaminated meat will be documented in the years ahead,” said Michael Osterholm, PhD, director of the center for infectious disease research and policy at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. “It’s possible the number of human cases will be substantial and will not be isolated events.”
No cases of chronic wasting disease have been reported in humans yet.
To prevent chronic wasting disease in infected areas, the CDC says people should avoid handling or eating meat from dead animals. If people see an animal that seems sick, they should note its location and contact wildlife officials.
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