Additional Diseases

Abscesses

• Pus and bacteria-filled lumps found within animal tissues, usually during butchering
  • Most animals appear to be healthy
  • If there is only one abscess, trim away and discard affected meat
  • If multiple abscesses are found, it is safer not to eat the animal

NEVER cut into abscesses or eat meat containing abscesses

Hantavirus

• A rare and potentially fatal virus of wild mice
• You may contract it by breathing virus carried on dust particles from mouse feces, dried urine or nesting materials
  • Rodent-proof your home or cabin
  • Avoid contact with rodents and their feces
  • Wear a protective mask when working in enclosed spaces where rodents live

Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)

• Some forms of bird flu can be transmitted to people
• Contact local health services for public health updates
• Wild birds can carry bird flu but rarely get sick
• Practice proper hygiene when butchering birds – wear gloves and wash hands

Avoid handling sick or dead wild birds

Filarial Worms (Dirofilaria)

• Long, white and slender roundworms found under the skin of black bears
• Black flies spread these worms to new hosts
• Although rare, people bitten by an infected black fly can become ill
• Worms in bears DO NOT infect people

Filarial worms may be seen during the butchering of bears – always cook bear meat