Is Lyme disease and its transfer to humans from wild game a safety concern? It is likely that most deer harvested have been bit at some time by deer ticks. Many may still have the ticks on them when they are being dressed. Fortunately this does not affect the safety of the meat itself. There has been no record of Lyme disease being transferred through the consumption of wild game.

To reduce concerns on the safety of wild game, the following recommendations should be followed:

• Wear protective gloves while dressing wild game. The use of gloves will prevent the accidental transfer of the Lyme organism, from ruptured ticks, through cuts in the skin.
• Hang the carcass over a pan of water to drown the ticks as they drop off, or spray an area beneath the carcass with an insecticide (such as a spray containing permethrin) to kill the ticks. Do not spray the carcass itself.
• Make sure all wild game is well cooked.

Following these simple recommendations will help assure the safety of your wild game.

For more information, contact your local Extension office.

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