BREAKING: State Officials Warn Hunters to Test Deer Meat After Rare Disease Found in Ohio

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health officials are warning hunters to avoid eating venison and similar meat, or at least have it tested, after a rare disease was identified in Ohio, WLWT reports.

The disease — known as Chronic Wasting Disease and similar to mad-cow disease — was found in a recent import of deer from Pennsylvania that was distributed to hunting grounds across Ohio. While research suggests that humans are resistant to CWD, which primarily affects deer and elk, there is no confirmation that it is impossible for humans to get it.

The disease causes lesions in the animals’ brains and unusual behavior, including excessive salivation, drinking and urination, before ultimately killing the animal. Officials said they do not believe CWD has spread to Ohio’s natural deer population, though hunters are encouraged to have their meat tested to avoid consuming infected food.

Read the full story at WLWT.

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