The Division of Wildlife Resources announced this week that COVID-19 has been detected in Utah mule deer. While there is no evidence that people can get COVID-19 by eating meat from an infected animal, the Division of Wildlife Resources is providing hunters with proper hygiene guidelines when processing harvested wildlife. The guidelines include the following: Don’t allow contact between wildlife and domestic animals, including pets and hunting dogs. Do not harvest animals that appear sick or are found already dead. Keep game meat clean, and cool the meat down as soon as possible after harvesting the animal. Avoid cutting through the animal’s backbone and spinal tissues, and do not eat the brains of wildlife. When handling and cleaning game meat, wear rubber or disposable gloves. Don’t eat, drink or smoke while handling the meat. When you are finished handling and cleaning the meat, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Research on the potential effects of COVID-19 in free-ranging mule deer in Utah and other Western states is ongoing.
