New Evidence COVID-19 Is Widespread In Deer

 A new study has found high rates of SARS CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) exposure and active infection among white-tailed deer tested across Iowa.

According to a story from the National Deer Association (NDA), previously, antibodies detected in deer suggested exposure to the virus, but this is the first confirmation of active infection and deer-to-deer transmission.

We reported on the initial findings that you can read here but believe the NDA’s latest report is an important one to share with hunters.

Researchers at Penn State University also used genome sequencing of the viral samples to learn that SARS CoV-2 reached deer through multiple “spillover” events from humans. 

There is still no evidence that deer can transmit the disease to humans in a “spillback” direction according to NDA officials.

The new study in Iowa deer, added to previous revelations of exposure in other states, suggests SARS CoV-2 is much more widespread in whitetails than previously thought and that deer are extremely susceptible to infection with the virus. Although deer become infected, there have not been reported clinical signs, and there is no evidence yet that the infection is a serious health threat to deer.

NDA officials also said we don’t know how these deer became exposed to the virus.

Humans are the virus reservoir, so possibilities include direct contact between deer and humans such as with captive or human-habituated deer, indirect contact such as through contaminated feed or bait, and other routes, but more study is needed.

According to NDA officials in the new study, Penn State researchers sampled lymph nodes from 151 free-ranging and 132 captive deer across Iowa from April 2020 through January 2021. Overall, 33% of deer had been infected. However, the infection grew higher toward the end of the testing period. During the last few weeks from November 23, 2020 to January 10, 2021, 82% of 97 deer were infected.

Currently, according to NDA officials, there is no confirmed risk to you of COVID-19 infection from handling deer, field-dressing deer, or eating cooked venison.

However, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, it is a good idea to protect your health by wearing disposable latex gloves whenever you are processing a deer. Then wash your hands, knife and other equipment thoroughly when done.

To read more from the NDA on this topic click here.

COVID-19 In Canadian Deer (Canada Recommends Wearing Masking When Cleaning Deer)

Just a few days ago, Canadian officials confirm COVID-19 was found in three Quebec deer.

According to a Canadian government press release, federal, provincial and territorial partners continue to monitor and assess the potential implications of the virus on Canadian wildlife.

.Until more is known and as an added precaution, it is recommended that you wear a well-fitting mask when exposed to respiratory tissues and fluids from deer, practice good hand hygiene, and avoid splashing/spraying fluids from these tissues as much as possible.

Texas Fish & Game will keep you posted as new research sheds light on this issue.

TF&G  Staff