Oklahoma wildlife officials have confirmed the state's sixth case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), often called "Zombie Deer." A white-tailed buck tested positive for the disease near Optima in Texas County, located in the Oklahoma Panhandle.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the infected deer was found in an area already under active surveillance. The buck was described as extremely emaciated and showed no fear of humans, which are classic symptoms of CWD.

What is Chronic Wasting Disease?

CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, moose, and elk. It is caused by abnormal proteins called prions, which damage the brain and lead to severe weight loss, behavioral changes, and ultimately death. The disease is sometimes referred to as "Zombie Deer" due to the disoriented and unresponsive behavior of infected animals.

Oklahoma confirmed its first case of CWD in June 2023. Since then, cases have been closely monitored, especially in regions like the Panhandle where deer populations are more concentrated.

What Officials Are Saying

Micah Holmes, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, said the detection of another case in the Panhandle was expected. "This was not surprising, you know, cause they tend to cluster in one spot," Holmes explained. "We're continuing to monitor CWD and make sure that you know, we know how and where and if it's spreading."

Wildlife officials have been conducting routine testing in areas with higher deer activity. The Panhandle region, including Texas County, has been under particular scrutiny due to its proximity to other states where CWD has also been detected.

No Threat to Humans or Livestock

As of now, there are no known cases of CWD spreading to livestock or humans. However, wildlife officials urge hunters and residents to remain cautious. While the disease is not believed to pose a risk to human health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that hunters avoid consuming meat from deer that appear sick or test positive for CWD.

For hunters in Oklahoma, the Department of Wildlife Conservation offers free testing for harvested deer in certain areas. This service helps ensure the safety of venison and aids in tracking the spread of the disease.

What to Watch For

Folks in the Panhandle and across the state are encouraged to report any deer that appear thin, disoriented, or unusually tame. Symptoms of CWD include:

• Significant weight loss
• Staggering or lack of coordination
• Excessive drooling
• Lack of fear of humans
• Behavioral changes

If you see a deer showing these signs, contact the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation immediately.

Looking Ahead

Wildlife officials plan to continue monitoring deer populations across the state, particularly in the Panhandle. Surveillance efforts include testing harvested deer and investigating reports of sick animals. Oklahoma hunters are encouraged to participate in these efforts by submitting samples for testing and following guidelines for safe handling of game meat.

For now, the focus remains on understanding the spread of CWD and working to protect Oklahoma's deer population. "It's something we take very seriously," Holmes said. "We want to stay ahead of it as much as we can."