Can White-tailed Deer become infected with WNV?

• There are no reports of WNV in deer.

• It appears that waterfowl, pheasants and other game birds can carry the virus in their blood. 
• In extreme northern Iowa, there have been reports of giant Canada geese and mallard ducks dying; however, no viable samples of dead waterfowl have been obtained for testing.  There were 6 geese from a captive flock in Dickson county that succumbed to the virus last month. 
• There has not been an active program to test waterfowl nor pheasants for WNV.

• West Nile is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. 
• The biggest risk to humans is the prolonged exposure to concentrations of mosquitos where the likelihood of being biten by an infected mosquito may be greater.  Persons that will be spending prolonged periods exposed to mosquitos should consider applying mosquito repellent to their exposed skin and clothing.  Repellent formulas that contain >= 35% DEET are recommended.

• According to the National Wildlife Disease Center there is no evidence that just by touching a dead bird a human can contract West Nile.  However, since the virus is a blood-born pathogen, it may be possible for someone butchering an infected bird to contract the virus through an open cut on their hand.  Therefore, as is recommended when handling all wild animals, hunters are advised to wear rubber gloves while dressing out and butchering game birds.
• As with all food handling, proper cooking of pheasants, ducks and other game birds is recommended.