The KDFWR is telling us that we shouldn’t gut deer for fear that we might get Covid.

https://fw.ky.gov/Wildlife/Pages/SARS-CoV-2.aspx

 

In August 2021, the USDA confirmed the world’s first cases of SARS-CoV-2 in free ranging white-tailed deer in Ohio. The virus (which leads to the illness COVID-19) has been previously detected in wild mink, but this is the first instance of the virus being detected in white-tailed deer. In March, the results of an experimental infection trial demonstrated that white-tailed deer were susceptible to the virus but didn’t develop clinical signs of the illness in the laboratory setting. In late July, the USDA released its findings from a multi-state sampling effort that demonstrated free-ranging white-tailed deer in Illinois, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and developed antibodies but the virus was not detected.

The following information developed by department staff based on the Ohio deer study and the latest public health guidance is provided for your reference.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO HUNTERS

• There is no evidence at this time that animals, including deer, play a significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to people, but caution is recommended.

• Hunters are encouraged to wear a face covering, eye protection and surgical-type gloves when field dressing or processing a deer out of an abundance of caution.

• Until more is known, we recommend that hunters field quarter (use gutless method) deer to avoid potential exposure to the virus if it is present in a deer.

• Public health officials encourage people ages 12 and older to get vaccinated for protection from COVID-19.

I guess we should have been putting masks on the deer.

 

This post has already been read 336 times!

Views: 1

Related posts:

Return of the Whitetail in Kentucky Is the USDA Trying to Kill Deer Hunting? New Ohio Deer Rifle Rules