Are duck and other wild game hunters at risk for West Nile virus infection?
A. We do not know the extent to which West Nile virus may be present in wild game. Surveillance studies are currently underway in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, and state and local wildlife biologists and naturalists, to answer this question.
A. Because of their outdoor exposure, game hunters may be at risk if they become bitten by mosquitoes in areas with West Nile virus activity. The extent to which West Nile virus may be present in wild game is unknown. Q. What should wild game hunters do to protect against West Nile virus infection? A. Hunters should follow the usual precautions when handling wild animals. If they anticipate being exposed to mosquitoes, they should apply insect repellents to clothing and skin, according to label instructions, to prevent mosquito bites. Hunters should wear gloves when handling and cleaning animals to prevent blood exposure to bare hands and meat should be cooked thoroughly. Q. Who should wild game hunters contact for information about the risk for West Nile virus infection in specific geographic areas? A. Hunters should check with their local area department of wildlife and naturalist resources, state epidemiologist at the state health department, or the US Geological Survey (USGS) Natio
