'Zombie' deer disease detected at Manassas National Battlefield

A deer at Manassas National Battlefield Park recently tested positive for chronic wasting disease, also known as “zombie” deer disease for its attack on the animal’s nervous system.

The National Park Service said one deer culled during recent white-tailed deer reduction operations tested positive, a first at the park spanning 5,100 acres of historic land in western Prince William County.

“Manassas National Battlefield Park and other national parks in the area reduce deer populations to protect and restore native plants, promote healthy and diverse forests, and preserve historic landscapes,” the park service said in a news release. “Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia national parks conducting deer reduction operations participate in CWD monitoring programs for wildlife health.”

Until last year, all results for regional parks had been negative. In 2024, three nearby national parks in Maryland and West Virginia – Antietam National Battlefield, Monocacy National Battlefield and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park – received their first CWD-positive test results, the release said.

“There is currently no evidence that CWD can infect humans. However, it is recommended that tissues from CWD-infected animals not be eaten,” according to the NPS.

The venison from the deer that tested positive for chronic waste disease was destroyed.

Park visitors are asked to avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife.

“Most animals in parks are healthy and thrive in their natural environment, but sometimes wildlife can get sick just like people,” the release said.

Officials say always keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid touching or handling dead or sick wild animals. Some disease-causing organisms can be passed between wild animals and people.

It is recommended that people not eat any part of an animal that is suspected or confirmed to have CWD.

Whenever possible, the National Park Service donates all venison from its deer reduction operations to local food banks, consistent with the service’s public health guidelines. All CWD-positive meat is destroyed, the release said.

The park service will continue to participate in monitoring of collected deer for CWD and will destroy venison testing positive for CWD, per guidelines.