Researchers say that coronavirus antibodies have been found in more than a third of the white-tailed deer across four states, including New York and Pennsylvania.
The Department of Agriculture says that while antibodies were found in the blood samples, it does not mean that the animals were sick with the disease. They could have been exposed to the virus by humans or other animals.
While none of the deer studied showed signs of critical illness, researchers are concerned about the possibility of creating a virus reservoir among animal populations that could continue to infect humans in the future.
One more excuse the Game Commission has for wiping out the deer population in PA. I’m sure the car insurance companies and timber companies will be tickled pink.
They had tested positive for Coronavirus’ but which of the millions of strains? Your deceptive headline or your inaccurate information in the article needs changed.
They did not test positive for Coronavirus. The virus itself was not found in the deer, but antibodies. This means they were exposed to the virus at some point and created antibodies as a result. It does not matter which strains they were exposed to. It does not mean that they have the virus or can transmit it, but the fact that antibodies have been found in other species does raise concerns about future virus “pools” in other species down the road.
Just concerned for my many White-Tailed Deer Hunter Friends!!
Thanks for the clarification Andy.