‘Zombie deer virus’: Middle East is safe but doctors warn of human infection risk

Deer

Amid a surge in reported cases of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), commonly known as the 'zombie deer virus,' across the United States, Canada, and northern Europe, UAE doctors are advising caution against the potential for animal-to-human transmission.

While there have been no documented cases of CWD, or the 'zombie deer virus,' in the Middle East thus far, medical professionals in the UAE emphasize the importance of ongoing precautions as global instances of the disease continue to rise.

CWD primarily affects animals such as deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer, and moose, leading to neurological symptoms, impaired cognition, behavioral changes, and eventual fatality. Infected animals often exhibit unusual behaviors like staggering, emaciation, and aggression. Dr. Mohamed Ahmed El Maghawri Shanab, an Internal Medicine specialist at Burjeel Royal Hospital in Abu Dhabi's Al Ain, highlights that the contagious disease spreads among cervids through direct or indirect contact with bodily fluids or contaminated environments.