Outdoors Notebook: Hunter exposed to rabies from a deer
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A Lancaster County hunter has been treated for rabies after field dressing a deer Jan. 20 in Valley Township, Chester County. The deer later tested positive for rabies.
"The hunter contacted us about his concerns that the deer was unfit for human consumption," said John Veylupek, a wildlife conservation officer for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. "[He] said that he saw the deer standing in a creek, straining and growling. He thought there was a coyote nearby from the sounds the deer was making."
Having cleaned the deer without wearing gloves and with open scratches on his hand, the hunter was advised to seek post-exposure rabies shots.
Rabies is rarely detected in deer -- the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the primary carriers are bats and carnivores such as foxes, skunks and raccoons. Rabies causes severe inflammation of the brain, and there is no cure in advanced cases.
"All mammals are susceptible to rabies and can spread the virus in the right circumstances," said Dr. Walter Cottrell, a Game Commission wildlife veterinarian, in a written statement. "To prevent the spread of wildlife diseases, we encourage hunters and trappers to contact the Game Commission about any animals that they encounter that may appear to be sick. Also, when field dressing any mammal, it is critical to wear rubber or latex gloves to prevent exposure to not just rabies, but also to other disease organisms."
Guide Harold Harsh will offer tips on fly fishing on the North Branch of the Potomac River, just two hours from Pittsburgh, at the Feb. 13 meeting of Penn's Woods West Trout Unlimited. 7 p.m. Brentwood VFW, 3801 Clairton Blvd. (Rte. 51), Brentwood. 412-881-9934.
On Feb. 8, the Tri-County Trout Club welcomes speaker Joe Pacacha of Project Healing Waters, a nonprofit group that uses fly fishing and tying in the rehabilitation of disabled active-duty military personnel and veterans. 7:30 p.m. at Burrell Lake Park, Lower Burrell. 724-335-2679.
Ladies Night is back at The Archer's Edge in Oakdale. Designed as a series of friendly, camaraderie-building shoots for points and prizes, the indoor archery league begins with a free meeting Feb. 21 and runs for 11 weeks. Call 412-489-5670 for details.
Correction/Clarification: (Published February 11, 2012) A hunter was exposed to the fluids of a rabid deer and given pre-symptom rabies treatment, but did not contract the disease as reported Feb. 5
First Published February 5, 2012 12:00 am
