A recent USDA study found white-tailed deer in New York State have been exposed to the coronavirus.
The government did the study because there are 30 million deer in the U.S. and people often come in close contact to them. It's also hoped the study will help officials understand the origin of the virus, its impact on wildlife and how it may be transmitted across different species.
In New York, the virus was present in 19% of 68 samples taken between January 2020 and March 2021. In Pennsylvania, however, it was higher — at 31% — and still higher in Michigan, where 67% of samples came back positive for the virus. Samples were also taken in Illinois, but the percentage was only 7%.
Officials said "there is no evidence animals are playing a significant role in transmitting the virus" and the risk of deer spreading the virus to people is still low, even if the deer meat is eaten. But they are advising hunters to use common health and safety precautions when preparing deer meat.
The USDA also will be doing further research.
