What is a "Dawn of the Dead" Zombie (non-Romero version)
First off they are in fact dead that come back to kill. However they share similar abilities to the Rage Zombie and the Classic Zombie. I like to think of the DOTD Zombie as a hybrid. They do not require Nutrients or Liquid or Air. They do run quite fast though and this is what ties them to the Rage Zombie. They will only run if they find prey but other times when they are roaming they will just walk in random directions moaning and snarling. They will not die from blood loss and they do require a headshot to take down. Anything less won't put them down.

Infection
The DOTD Zombies infect their prey by biting them. It is believed that exchange of bodily fluids will not cause infection. This crushes all theory of transportation via air or water. It appears the only way they can infect you is by Biting you. If you are bitten seek medical attention. It really depends on the person with how quickly it takes to die and reanimate.

Psychology
A DOTD Zombie is apparently able to make very little decision or reasoning when it is attacking prey. Other than that it is pretty much a walking dead creature with motor functions. They are able to manipulate small objects with their hands however but they only seem to use them to attack.

Cure
A Bullet in the Brain

Defense
The defense of a DOTD Zombie gives you a somewhat broader spectrum of choices. You see after you present them with a barrier that they cannot pass they will begin to give up and roam. They will roam close to their last target until they find a new one. They show no interest in animals so you may want to think about vicious dogs or Horses as a transport and a defense. They do not seem to be able to climb structures more than 20 feet tall but they can climb onto smaller walls. I would suggest a large compound area as they will moan so you can hear them coming and so detection is not all that difficult. Fire is also a good defensive measure against them.

Offense
When fighting the DOTD Zombie the only thing that will put them down is a brain shot. Nothing more nothing less. I would not suggest going up against them in a narrow confinement such as a street or sewer. I would suggest a field or runway. They do run fast and they don't stop until you shoot them in the head. When clearing a city it would be best to sound a large bull horn or to find a tornado warning alarm/VFD Alarm and sound that. Let them come to you so you can set up traps. Sniper rifles are best for when you camped out because they will move slow and stupidly and a shotgun for when combating them in close quarters as when they're darting back and forth you will have a better chance of hitting them. I would not suggest using a semi-automatic rifle when combating them unless you are extremely skilled with weaponry.


Other Information

Dawn of the Dead Wikipedia Entry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawn_of_the_Dead_(2004_film)