Video: What Is Known About COVID-19 & Whitetails

Recent news that SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were found in wild white-tailed deer has made national headlines and raised many concerns and questions among deer hunters. The National Deer Association would like to provide hunters with a review of the facts along with common-sense recommendations for deer hunters to help them enjoy the upcoming season.

On July 29, USDA Wildlife Services reported detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in samples of wild white-tailed deer from locations in 32 counties spread across four states: Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York. These deer were collected during some of Wildlife Service’s routine management activities, not for the purpose of disease monitoring.

SARS-CoV-2 is the name of the virus. COVID-19 is the disease caused by this virus. Finding antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus is the not the same thing as finding an active COVID-19 infection. According to the USDA, “None of the deer populations surveyed showed signs of clinical illness associated with SARS-CoV-2.”

The antibodies in these deer are evidence they were exposed to the virus. To date, no white-tailed deer have been found that were actively infected with the COVID-19 disease and spreading the virus. Also, there are currently no documented cases of people catching COVID-19 from deer.

To read more from the National Deer Association click here.