Let's define some specific types of zombies. It'll help us work out our procedures in how to deal with each "brand" of the undead...
1. Romero zombies. Slow shuffling, little motor skills, and little ability to communicate. This is the classic "Night of the Living Dead" type zombie and it's one of the most difficult worlds to live in, despite the fact that they are not extremely agressive or agile. Causation seems to be a space probe returning to earth containing a unique form or radiation. Detonation of the space probe on it's return caused the entire planet to be saturated. EVERY PERSON WHO DIES FROM ANY CAUSE WILL REANIMATE IN ONE TO TEN MINUTES. Does'nt matter if you've been bitten, a heart attack will have you shuffling around the streets groaning just as easily. In the case of a Romero zombie, decay processes continue, but at a slower rate. The brain is the only animate portion, and it's destruction eliminates the zombie threat. Expect these walkers to decay to harmlessness in 7 to 20 years depending on environmental conditions. Any warm blooded animal may be eaten, but no other species will re-animate.
2. Chemical Zombies. Aka "Return of the Living Dead" or "Brain munchers". 2-4-5 trioxin contamination has energized the nervous system of any organic creature exposed, reguardless of it's condition. Exposure to living tissues carries a 100 percent mortality rate. Humans, inscects, animals, all have died and re-animated with one goal in mind. Eat brains. It's thought, though not confirmed that this is strictly an interspecies activity. Humans eat human brains, dogs eat dog brains, etc. High degree of mobility, agility, and communication skills. They often work together to ambush relief vehicles, and many retain their intelligence. "Infection" is possible if the zombie is heavily saturated in 2-4-5, but with the brain being the primary target zone, not many wounded survive long enough to sccumb to the toxins while alive. Infestaion areas are often toxic, and can occasionally cause secondary outbreaks when the recently killed rise. 2-4-5 trioxin is volitile, boiling at room temp, but heavier than water, often causing a toxic rain in the area. These outbreaks are very localized, and always end when the chemical concentraion dilutes enough to fail in re-animation. Decay is not a factor, and containment or incineration is the only known remedy for these indestructible zombies.
3. 2004 Outbreak zombie. This is the remake film zombie. Caused by an unknown blood borne virus, and transmitted only through fluidic contact. The body continues to decay, albeit at a slightly slower rate. Highly agile, but with no intelligence beyond animal instinct, these zombies present an immediate high threat. They will only attack members of their own species, and any bite, or fluidic contamination will result in a fatal infection. Re-animation will occur in 1 to 7 minutes, with immediate agression in the reanimated. Major trauma to the brain, or severing the brain from the nevous system will destroy 2004 outbreak cases, but it's noted with the rapid onset of decay, the period these Z's will remain functional is severely limited. Two years is thought to be the upward limit, again depending on environmental conditions. The virus is not thought to be dangerous to any species outside of the primates. Communication is limited to animal sounds and howling when agitated. This is considerd to be a method for drawing large enough numbers to surround any fortification.
4. Voodoo Zombie. The voodoo zombie is not a zombie in the traditional sense, but rather a living person with very specific brain damage. Created using a process of mental abuse, oxygen deprivation and rare fugu toxins, this individual has little self will, communications ability or personality. While exhibiting strength beyond normal limits, they still require some small amount of food, water, environmental tolerances, and direction. Injuries, even fatal ones take more time to bring down a voodoo zombie, as they do not respond to pain, but given time, they will bleed to death as readily as any living person. Voodoo zombism is not transmittable person to person, and there is no chance of a large scale outbreak.
5. Solanum Virus. It's considered from all the stories of the living dead over the years, that a natuarlly occuring virus, code named "solanum" from the latin "living water", is present in the ecosystem of the earth. This brings out a Romero style outbreak, with a few notable exceptions. Solanum is 100 percent toxic to all life on earth. No animal, insect, or bacteria can survive on an infected corpse. Decay rates are non-existant in these cases, and only wear and tear will eventually immobilize the infected. The brain is modified into a self supporting organ that drives the body, reguardless of it's condition, to infect more people. Any warm blooded animal will be attacked, but only human beings will be re-animated. Marked by slow shuffling movements, these zombies are silent untill they sense food. Then they let out a low moan, and move to attack it. Any zombie hearing that moan will orient on the sound, and contiue the attack. In this fashion, a "Chain Swarm" can draw every Z for 100 miles moving together, in the same direction. Environment is un-important for these zombies, and many will be found walking along the bottom of rivers, lakes, or oceans years after an outbreak. In one known case, a mongol soldier frozen 800 years ago in sibera was discovered by anthropoligists, thawed for examination, and attacked the scientists as soon as it was warm enough to move. The only known way to destroy a solanum zombie is to destroy the brain, or remove the brain from the body. Because of their "longevity" as a functional infection vector, a solanum outbreak is likely to be the primary cause for a global infestation. One zombie escaping into the waves off Jamacia, may show up 25 years later to bite feet in water off Japan.
Let the kid in and you're toast!
