Deer can carry COVID; should hunters worry?
Experts say risk of animals spreading virus to people is low
Jeff Murray Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin USA TODAY NETWORK
A new study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture appears to indicate white-tailed deer, the most popular big game animal in the United States, can carry the COVID-19 virus.
As hunting season approaches, wild- life and health officials say the chances of a human getting infected by a COVIDpositive deer are low, but they still urge hunters to take precautions.
The study analyzed serum samples from free-ranging white-tailed deer in four states — New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Illinois — for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
According to the study, 40% of deer tested across those four states in 2021 were positive for antibodies, meaning they had been exposed to the virus at some point.
In New York, the state Department
of Environmental Conservation is monitoring the situation but said there is little cause for alarm.
“There is no evidence that animals, including deer, are playing a significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to people,” the DEC said in a statement. “Based on the available information, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is low.”
Nevertheless, the possible presence of the virus is an additional reason for hunters to follow safety guidelines when they harvest a whitetail.
Among recommendations from the DEC:
1. Wear rubber gloves, and consider wearing a facemask when field dressing and processing deer.
2. Sanitize hands and instruments thoroughly after field dressing.
3. Bag and dispose of remaining carcass par ts in the trash or a municipal landfill.
There is also no evidence humans can contract COVID-19 by consuming venison, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
The Game Commission offered additional tips for safe preparation of wild game, adding the recommendations should be followed regardless of concern over COVID-19:
A. Do not harvest or attempt to harvest any wildlife that appears sick.
B. Keep game meat clean and cool it down as soon after harvest as possible.
C. Avoid the backbone and spinal tissue while field dressing, and do not consume brain tissue.
D. Cook all game meat to the appropriate internal temperature as outlined by food safety officials.
E. Do not consume raw game meat or the blood of wild animals.
Hunters might also be concerned about the health of the deer themselves.
Afflictions such as chronic wasting disease — which is always fatal in deer and related species — have devastated deer populations in some states.
But it appears the risk from the virus to deer and other wildlife is low. None of the deer populations surveyed showed signs of illness associated with COVID- 19, USDA reported. Archery season for deer starts Friday in New York’s Southern Zone, and the regular firearm season opens Nov. 20. Information: dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7857 .html.
In Pennsylvania, bowhunting gets underway Saturday, and firearm season starts Nov. 27. Details: pgc.pa.gov/ HuntTrap/Law/Pages/SeasonsandBag Limits.aspx.
Follow Jeff Murray on Twitter @SG JeffMurray.
