Post by jjas on Aug 13, 2021 11:10:46 GMT -5
From Mike Hanback's site.
bigdeerblog.com/2021/08/can-a-deer-you-shoot-give-you-covid/
Would any of you have any qualms about eating a deer you killed this year?
bigdeerblog.com/2021/08/can-a-deer-you-shoot-give-you-covid/
The recent and shocking USDA study that found that 33% of tested wild whitetails were exposed to the COVID-19 virus brings up 2 huge questions as we prepare to hit the woods and shoot deer this season.
One, could you get the virus from a deer you kill and handle? The USDA’s Animal and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) says there is no evidence that any animal, including deer, plays a significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to people. Based on the available information, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is low. But they do say further research is needed.
Is a deer you kill this fall safe to eat? APHIS says there is no evidence that people can get COVID-19 by preparing or eating meat from an animal infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the United States.
BUT… This deer/COVID study raises more questions than answers, so let me add a few things:
The study seems to indicate that deer infected with the virus are asymptomatic. But still, do not shoot (and definitely don’t handle or eat) a deer that appears sickly.
Always wear rubber/plastic gloves when handling and gutting a deer. I recommend gloves that extend all way up to or past your elbows. This would protect you not only from possible COVID, but a myriad of tick and other related illnesses.
Avoid cutting through the backbone or brain of a deer (CWD and other concerns).
When finished handling and cleaning a deer, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and then rub down with a hand sanitizer.
Clean knives, sharpeners and surfaces that were in contact with game meat with soap and water and then disinfect them.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and then rub down with a hand sanitizer again after cleaning tools.
Government agencies now recommend you cook venison and other game meat to an internal temperature of 165°F or higher.
One, could you get the virus from a deer you kill and handle? The USDA’s Animal and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) says there is no evidence that any animal, including deer, plays a significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to people. Based on the available information, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is low. But they do say further research is needed.
Is a deer you kill this fall safe to eat? APHIS says there is no evidence that people can get COVID-19 by preparing or eating meat from an animal infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the United States.
BUT… This deer/COVID study raises more questions than answers, so let me add a few things:
The study seems to indicate that deer infected with the virus are asymptomatic. But still, do not shoot (and definitely don’t handle or eat) a deer that appears sickly.
Always wear rubber/plastic gloves when handling and gutting a deer. I recommend gloves that extend all way up to or past your elbows. This would protect you not only from possible COVID, but a myriad of tick and other related illnesses.
Avoid cutting through the backbone or brain of a deer (CWD and other concerns).
When finished handling and cleaning a deer, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and then rub down with a hand sanitizer.
Clean knives, sharpeners and surfaces that were in contact with game meat with soap and water and then disinfect them.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and then rub down with a hand sanitizer again after cleaning tools.
Government agencies now recommend you cook venison and other game meat to an internal temperature of 165°F or higher.
Would any of you have any qualms about eating a deer you killed this year?