Decoding CWD: What Other Prion Diseases Tell Us About Zombie Deer

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is often called the “zombie deer disease” and has become one of the most talked-about threats in wildlife biology and hunting circles. But to really understand what’s happening in our deer and elk herds, we have to look at what we already know about other prion diseases: Mad Cow (BSE), Kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), and Scrapie in sheep.

In this episode, we explore how these known diseases can help us understand the mysterious behavior of CWD. We break down how prions work, how they spread, and why they’re so difficult to contain. From cattle pastures to deer camps, this conversation takes a deep look at the science behind prions and what it might mean for hunters, wildlife managers, and anyone who eats wild game.

We talk about:

•  What prions are and how they infect the brain
•  Similarities and differences between CWD, Mad Cow, Kuru, CJD, and Scrapie
• Transmission in wildlife and environmental persistence
• What hunters should know about handling or consuming meat from CWD-positive animals
• Theories on where prions come from and how they mutate
• Why understanding these diseases matters for the future of hunting and conservation

This isn’t a fear-mongering episode, it’s a fact-based discussion aimed at helping outdoor enthusiasts understand the bigger picture. We dig into current research, real-world implications, and the unknowns scientists are still chasing.