Hunters take note that there is going to be more talk about “Zombie deer” disease.
Officially called Chronic Wasting Disease, this neurological disorder in both free-ranging and farm-raised deer, elk, and moose, has spread into 24 states and two provinces in Canada. Researchers are worried humans could contract it, given certain circumstances, but there is not a lot of evidence to support that.
At least one deer has tested positive in Oneida County, according to CDC data. In established populations out West, this disease has infection rates exceeding 10%, and localized infection rates of more than 25%t have been reported. The infection rates among some captive deer can be much higher, with a rate of 79% reported from at least one captive herd.
What can we do about here? The State DEC has a resource page about it.