What precautionary steps should hunters take when field dressing deer or handling meat?
Although there is no evidence that CWD is a human health risk, it is best to avoid unnecessary contact with the deer’s brain, tonsils, spleen, spinal cord and lymph glands – the parts of a deer in which CWD-causing prions accumulate. Good field-dressing technique is important including the use of disposable rubber gloves to minimize contact with tissue that could harbor the CWD prion. Proper techniques should be used regardless as other known potential hazards such as E.coli can be prevented through good handling practices.
