News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 1999

VENISON FROM OHIO DEER IS SAFE TO EAT - AS WITH ANY MEAT, PROPER COOKING AND HANDLING ARE RECOMMENDED FOR GOOD HEALTH

COLUMBUS, OH - With the start of Ohio's fall deer hunting season, the Division of Wildlife assures hunters that the venison they bring home is safe to eat - a healthful and delicious source of nutrition. But like all meats, including pork, lamb and poultry, venison calls for thorough cooking and proper handling in order to avoid potential health risks.

A recent research paper submitted to the Ohio Journal of Science documented the existence of a common parasite, toxoplasma gondii, in Ohio white-tailed deer, causing some hunters to question whether deer are safe to eat.

"This parasite is frequently found in raw pork and lamb, and in recent years has been identified in deer in other states," said Mike Budzik, chief of the wildlife division. "Tests conducted during the 1996-97 and 1997-98 hunting seasons were the first in which white-tailed deer in Ohio were studied. This research reminds us to exercise the same care with handling and cooking venison that we would with pork and other meats," he said.

The research paper did not conclude that Ohio deer have toxoplasmosis disease or the parasite itself, but rather that some deer had been exposed to the causative agent at some point in their lives.

The Division of Wildlife suggests that hunters may want to wear latex or rubber gloves as a precaution when field dressing deer. As with any raw meat product, game or domestic, venison should be properly frozen when stored and thoroughly cooked before serving. Cooking the venison until it is no longer pink in the center will kill the parasite. As with all raw meat or poultry, hands should be washed thoroughly after handling.

According to Dr. Roger Krogwold, assistant public health veterinarian at the Ohio Department of Health, toxoplasma gondii is transmitted by ingestion. He said that about one-third of the U. S. population has been exposed to the parasite, usually through the feces of house cats. "More than 80 percent of those who have been exposed to this parasite show no signs of illness. The danger is to the fetuses of pregnant women or to people with depressed immune systems," Dr. Krogwold said.

A fact sheet distributed by the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that more than 60 million people in the United States probably carry the toxoplasma parasite, but very few have symptoms because the immune system keeps the parasite from causing illness.

"Using standard common sense in care and cooking eliminates any potential risk in eating venison," Budzik said. "The bottom line is this: venison is a great alternative to domestic red meats. It's lower in fat and cholesterol - and it tastes great!"

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For Further Information Contact:
Pat Ruble, Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-6327
-or-
Vicki Mountz, Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-6393