There’s proof that SARS-CoV-2 is circulating among white-tailed deer in Saskatchewan.

Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan, Environment Canada, the Ministry of Environment and the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative put their resources together to form a wildlife surveillance program.

Through the program, researchers including Dr. Emily Jenkins with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine were able to swab 227 white-tailed deer in the province. Four came back positive for COVID-19, representing two per cent of the population tested.

“One of the great things that we have in this province is that our hunters are all really used to bringing in their deer heads for chronic wasting disease testing and other diseases. So we were able to tap into this great program that already exists in the province to take swabs from these submitted deer heads and test them for the SARS-Cov-2 virus.”

Researchers also tested 62 deer that also showed SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. This indicating previous exposure or active infection.

There have been cases of COVID-19 detected in deer in Ohio and other Canadian provinces, although this is the first time it’s being reported in Saskatchewan.

Jenkins says with the virus in deer, it shouldn’t be a huge concern when it comes to exposure for humans. She says  researchers don’t expect people will get the virus directly from consuming deer.

The Government of Saskatchewan guidance recommends hunters field dress, quarter, and debone the deer carcass in a well-ventilated space, such as outdoors or in an open air shed or garage, to lower potential risk of exposure to airborne virus particles.  As a precaution, hunters are advised to practice routine hygiene protocols when handling wild game, including wearing a well-fitting mask, gloves and washing their hands after field dressing.