Almost three years after being declared a pandemic, the virus that causes COVID-19
(SARS-CoV-2) has been shown to infect at least 54 different mammal species, including primates, cats, deer mice, mink, beavers, and even our beloved white-tailed deer.
Of particular interest to deer hunters is the recent evidence from Ontario that deer-to-human
transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is possible. Researchers discovered that a strain of the virus found in a human patient in southwestern Ontario was closely related to a strain circulating in the local wild deer population but distinct from other known strains of the virus, suggesting at least the possibility of deerto-human transmission.
Deer infected with the virus do not exhibit symptoms of illness and the risk of contracting the
virus from deer appears to be low. However, concerned hunters can take a few simple precautions to prevent transmission. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry recommends that hunters avoid contact with live wild mammals, follow normal health and safety precautions when handling harvested deer, and don’t hunt or eat animals that
appear sick or are found dead. Until more information is available, hunters can consider wearing
a mask, eye protection, and gloves when dressing out harvested deer. These protective measures are particularly important for anyone that is unvaccinated or partially vaccinated and anyone at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness.
The provincial government continues to test a range of wildlife species for the virus to better
understand its evolution and transmission between different species.
