Zombie deer disease. It sounds like science fiction. But in nearly 25 states, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is impacting populations of deer, elk, and similar species. This causes strange, almost zombie-like behavior, in which the animal gains an unquenchable hunger, thirst, and desire to attack, in a similar way to mad cow disease. While we are not sure yet, this could spread to humans, causing something very near to the zombie apocalypse, with walking humans who have no control over their actions or urges. While infected animals or (potentially) people are not undead, they still act and "think" like science fiction zombies. Imagine the mass panic that would ensue. The worst part is, symptoms take at minimum a year to show themselves, meaning we have no idea how many animals or even people are infected. If we begin working on a cure now, and begin efforts to limit the spread of the disease, such as testing deer for the infection and then slaughtering and burning infected deer, we can limit the danger posed by this impending outbreak. We the people call on both state and federal governments to allot emergency funds to stop this disease, and to take preventative measures against it's spread before people begin to contract CWD. 

• This disease is caused by either bacterial infection or prions. Prions are present in all cases, and can only be disposed of by burning. This means that the approx. 20% of the population of the united states who eat venison are at risk of contracting the disease.
• This disease has already infected non-human primates, meaning it could make the jump to humans. Due to a lack of testing and tagging of deer herds, we are not aware of areas in which the deer have contracted the disease but are not yet showing symptoms.
• This disease poses a huge risk to hunters, their families, and people in rural areas, as they are the main ones handling deer meat. However, once the first human is infected, we are all at risk, as this disease spreads quickly through bodily fluids. 
• It's not only deer that are impacted. Elk and Moose are also known to have contracted this disease, along with monkeys and numerous other animals unrelated to deer. 
• The CDC is researching this disease, but it is not enough. State and federal governments must take action to prevent this disaster.