Can game birds carry West Nile Virus (WNV) and can I get WNV from processing or eating a game bird?
The National Wildlife Health Center has found that a number of game bird species including ruffed grouse and waterfowl have tested positive for WNV. For a complete list of species, go to www.nwhc.usgs.gov/research/west_nile/wnvaffected.html. There is no evidence that WNV can be transmitted to humans through consuming infected birds or mammals. However, wearing rubber or latex gloves when handling and cleaning wild game is recommended to prevent blood exposure to bare hands. You should fully cook any meat you consume. For more info, go to the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile. The Q&A section explains this subject in more detail and gives hunters precautions to follow. The Department of Health and Human Services has established a toll-free number for reporting and providing information regarding West Nile virus; call 1-866-273-6453. For more: www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/BCDCS/West+Nile+Virus/default.htm.
