A deer at Manassas National Battlefield Park has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), the National Park Service said. The condition is also known as “zombie deer disease.” The animal was from the Prince William County portion of the park.
One deer killed during recent white-tailed deer reduction operations tested positive, NPS said. Area parks reduce deer populations to protect and restore native plants, promote healthy and diverse forests, and preserve historic landscapes. Local parks conducting deer reduction operations also participate in CWD wildlife health monitoring programs.
This is the first time an animal from this park system has tested positive for “zombie deer disease.” Animals tested positive in 2024 in three nearby national parks in Maryland and West Virginia — Antietam National Battlefield, Monocacy National Battlefield, and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park — NPS says.
What Is ‘Zombie Deer Disease’?
CWD is a fatal condition that affects deer, elk, and moose. Infected animals will lose weight and show neurological and behavioral changes such as an altered gait, head tremors, lowering of the head, and isolation from other animals.
The disease has never been reported in a human, according to the CDC. However, health officials warn not to eat any part of an animal that is suspected or confirmed to have CWD.
Whenever possible, NPS says it donates the venison from its deer reduction operations to local food banks. But all CWD-positive meat is destroyed.
Advice for Visitors
NPS advises that if you see sick or dead wildlife in a park, you should avoid contact and notify a park service employee as soon as possible. Always keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid touching or handling dead or sick wild animals.
Some disease-causing organisms can pass between wild animals and people. NPS employees trained in wildlife health use specific protective measures to safely deal with a wild animal that may have died of disease.
Feature image, KimWillems/stock.adobe.com
