GREEN BAY, Wis. (NBC 26) — In a recent study, a number of white-tailed deer in nearby states Ohio and Iowa have been found to be infected with Covid-19.
"There is of course studies that have come out recently about Covid occurring in deer," Director of the DHS Bureau of Communicable Diseases Traci DeSalvo said.
But she also says the risk of animals spreading the virus to people is low.
"We and the CDC really at this point don't think that there's a lot of evidence to show that there is gonna be a lot of transmission from deer to humans," DeSalvo said.
So as you head out with friends or family this Wisconsin gun deer season, state disease experts provide additional ways to prevent the spread from human to human.
"Getting those vaccinations, wearing masks if you're in crowded, indoor spaces or staying at a cabin with a different group of people who aren't your household members," DeSalvo said.
The Department of Health Services also advises hunters to social distance as much as possible.
And once you secure a deer, DeSalvo says practicing good hygiene when processing the animal could reduce the risk of coronavirus exposure.
"Make sure you're being safe when you're handling deer meat and any raw meat," she said.
Cool the meat as soon as possible. And when you're cleaning the carcass, the DHS tells Wisconsinites to wear gloves, mask and avoid eating.
When you're finished, the DHS advises hunters to wash their hands and the cleaning equipment thoroughly.
To be sure, you can submit your deer for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing. Before you sit down to eat your game, the DHS says be patient and cook it all the way through.
Health officials say close contact with Covid-infected people is still the most likely way to contract the virus.
