Guidance to Reduce Risk of COVID-19 When Handling Wildlife
Canada and the United States have recently reported the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in wild white-tailed deer, providing the first evidence that the virus can circulate in wild animal populations. Studies have revealed that the virus has spread from humans to deer on multiple occasions, with subsequent spread from deer to deer. To date, there has been no known transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from white-tailed deer to humans. However, there is potential risk that those in contact with infected deer or carcasses could be exposed to the virus. Up-to-date vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to help protect yourself, your family, and your community against COVID-19.
Currently there have been no known cases of SARS-CoV-2 in game species in Newfoundland and Labrador and the susceptibility of other animals such as moose, caribou and other game species is unknown in Canada. Efforts to monitor wildlife diseases, including SARS-CoV-2, are ongoing throughout Canada.
Until more is known, to help protect yourself and reduce your risk while hunting or trapping, it is recommended that you wear a well-fitting mask and practice good hand hygiene. Additional recommendations for handling and dressing the carcass are available on the Government of Canada’s Animals and COVID-19 webpage and on the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative’s COVID-19 webpage.
Government of Canada – Animals and COVID-19: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/animals-covid-19.html
Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative – COVID-19: www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/covid-19.php
Avian Influenza
Avian influenza, or “bird flu”, occurs in many strains and is a contagious viral infection that can affect a variety of wild bird species and species of food producing birds as well as pet birds. The viruses are classified into two categories, low pathogenicity and high pathogenicity viruses, depending on the severity of the illness in birds.
Avian influenza viruses may, on rare occasions, infect humans through close contact with infected birds or time spent in heavily contaminated environments. With the potential risk for human infection it is highly recommended that people handling birds that may be infected with avian influenza wear protective equipment such as face masks, goggles, gloves and boots.
Information regarding avian influenza from the Government of Canada can be found here.
Giardiasis
Also known as Beaver Fever is caused by a parasite: Giardia lamblia
Contracted through contact with mouth, usually by drinking contaminated water. Parasite is passed on via feces of infected animals such as man and beaver. Disease may also be contracted by putting something in your mouth that has come in contact with the parasite. Symptoms include diarrhea, cramps, upset stomach. Can be prevented if you sterilize all drinking water while outdoors, properly clean uncooked food, especially vegetables, and practice proper hygiene.
Lyme Disease
Bacteria: Borrelia burgdorferi
Contracted through bite of infected deer ticks. Symptoms include reddish “bulls-eye” rash around the bite, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, memory loss, heart disease, temporary or chronic arthritis. Can be prevented if you dress to minimize exposed flesh when traveling through heavy vegetation. Apply tick repellent to clothing. Check for and remove ticks found on your body after outdoor excursions.
For more information regarding lyme disease can be found here.
Rabies
Virus: Rabies
Contracted through contact with saliva of infected animals through bites, scratches. Also contact with mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and nose. Symptoms include fever, headache, confusion, agitation, and eventual fatal infection of brain and spinal cord. Usually fatal once first symptoms appear. Can be prevented if you avoid contact with wild animals acting sick or strange. Keep pet vaccinations up to date. See your physician immediately if bitten or scratched by any animal.
Trichinosis
Parasite: Trichinella
Contracted through eating raw or undercooked pork and wild game products, particularly bear, wild boar, and seals infected with Trichinella. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, fever, muscle pains. Death is possible in severe cases. Can be prevented if you cook meat products well. Clean meat grinders and utensils thoroughly if you process your own meat. Avoid infecting pets by feeding them raw meat.
Tularemia
Bacterium: Francisella tularensis
Contracted through handling infected animal carcasses, especially rodents, rabbits, and hares. Also from the bites of infected ticks and deerflies and by consuming contaminated food and water. Symptoms include skin ulcers, swollen lymph glands, inflamed eyes, sore throat, pneumonia. Can be prevented if you wear gloves when cleaning or handling animal carcasses, especially hares. Practice proper hygiene.
West Nile Virus
Virus: west nile virus
Contracted through mosquito bites. Also direct contact with the blood of infected animals. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches. May develop into lethal encephalitis, or swelling of the brain. Can be prevented if you wear gloves when cleaning game and cook all meat thoroughly. Reduce mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellents.
More information regarding West Nile Disease can be found here.
Wildlife Diseases: Important Considerations for Human Health and Food Safety
A study summary for foxes and lynx harvested in Nunatsiavut and Western and Central Labrador by the University of Saskatchewan, can be found here.