As more than 900,000 Michigan hunters go afield this fall in search of their favorite quarry, the Department of Natural Resources urges them to hunt safely and to take necessary precautions when handling and processing wild game. Hunters should know the associated risks of various wildlife diseases as well as the strides taken by the DNR and other state agencies in Michigan to reduce the potential problems associated with diseased wildlife, especially as it relates to the fall deer hunt.

BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS

In 2005, bovine TB was found in 16 white-tailed deer from five Michigan counties, all in the northeast corner of the Lower Peninsula. Statewide, 7,361 deer were tested. Since testing began in 1995, 523 deer have been found positive from more than 145,000 deer surveyed.

The best news, however, is that the prevalence rate shows the number of TB-positive deer is decreasing. In fact, the average rate of infected animals has declined 71% since first detection more than a decade ago.

Still, every hunter, in particular those hunting in the special regulation unit areas, should continue to be vigilant for any signs of this disease in deer. Deer with severe TB may have tan or yellow lumps lining the chest wall and in the lung tissue. If you see a deer with this type of infection, contact the DNR so the carcass and viscera, in addition to the head, can be examined.

Hunters also are urged to submit their deer for testing if it was taken in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Iosco, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle and Roscommon counties. See the 2006 Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide for details.

CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has not been found in Michigan. This state's success in preventing and responding to the threat of CWD is underpinned by rigorous surveillance, strong public education efforts and responsive scientific laboratory support. To date, nearly 19,000 deer, elk and moose have been tested for CWD in Michigan and all have tested negative.

Although Michigan is taking several steps to prevent the occurrence of CWD in the state, it has been discovered in states as near as Wisconsin and Illinois. Because nine other states and two Canadian provinces also have confirmed the presence of CWD, hunters importing deer and elk from these areas must follow rules that are spelled out in the Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide on page 21. Testing of deer or elk killed in those CWD-positive locations is mandatory, and hunters who are notified of a test-positive animal are required to contact the DNR Wildlife Disease Lab at (517) 336-5030 within 48 hours.

AVIAN INFLUENZA

Birds can carry many types of diseases, including flu virus, but recently a more serious type of influenza has emerged. The technical name for this specific flu strain is Asian H5N1, but is commonly known as avian influenza (AI). It also is known as bird flu and emerged in Southeast Asia where wild birds and people get the diseases from infested birds. It has spread to other countries, but has not been found in North America.

Earlier this year, the DNR began a monitoring program to test migratory birds for the disease. To date, more than 200 birds have been tested, including ducks, geese, swans and shorebirds. Although there have been no positives from testing for the infectious type A virus, hunters should use precautions about hygiene when hunting.

EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is transmitted by mosquitoes, much like West Nile Virus. There is a human health risk to EEE, as humans who are bitten by mosquitoes carrying the disease can become fatally ill. However, EEE is much rarer in humans than West Nile Virus, with the last human cases in Michigan reported in 2002 (six cases, no fatalities) and the last reported fatality in 2001. It is unlikely, but possible that a person could become infected with EEE by getting brain and spinal cord matter from an infected deer in their eyes, lungs or in skin wounds.

The greatest EEE risk facing hunters is exposure to mosquitoes, not handling or consuming normal appearing deer from infected areas. Although other mammals and birds have been exposed to the EEE virus for decades, there is no evidence that direct contact with these species can infect humans. Though human infection is rare, citizens are urged to take extra precaution against EEE by taking action to reduce mosquito populations; using insect repellants for personal protection from bites and using protective clothing.

Hunters in Kent and Montcalm counties are again urged to use extra caution against mosquito bites during this year's hunting seasons by observing the basic safety precautions.

WEST NILE VIRUS

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic that flares up in summer and continues into fall. As with EEE, the best way to avoid illness is to avoid mosquito bites.

If a hunter is bitten by an infested mosquito, symptoms generally will develop three to 14 days after the bite occurs. In cases with milder symptoms, people experience fever and aches that pass on their own. In more severe cases, hospital care is required.

Hunters, especially those over the age of 50, should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites by using repellants, keeping skin covered and treating insect bites with antiseptic.

TICK-BORNE ILLNESS

Tick-borne illnesses, which are a potential threat in Michigan, include Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia and Ehrlichiosis. Ticks are significant carriers of pathogens that can cause human illness. In Michigan, these diseases are rare, but they do occur and can be serious if not properly diagnosed and treated. All illness that originates with a tick bite can be treated with antibiotics. Patients and domestic animals treated in the early stages with short courses of antibiotics usually recover rapidly and completely.

Small mammals are a preferred host for ticks; but birds, reptiles and large mammals also can harbor the various stages of the tick. Check hunting dogs regularly and if cleaning a deer or other game, always wear gloves and check your clothing and hair after processing is done.

Ticks can attach to any part of the human body, but prefer body creases and areas with hair. Ticks should be removed using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick by the head as close to the skin as possible, then gently but firmly pull it straight out. Wash the bite right away with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic to the wound.

Expert tick identification is available at a number of state agencies. For possible testing for most tick-related diseases, contact your local health department for a tick submission kit.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

Hunters should not handle or consume wild animals that appear sick to act abnormally, regardless of the cause. Always wear heavy rubber or latex gloves when field dressing wild game. If intestinal contents contact meat, consider that meat contaminated and cut it off, then discard.

Proper carcass care in the field is vital to preserving wild game. Big-game animals should be field dressed immediately to cool the carcass and then hung by the head to allow the body cavity to drain thoroughly. In warm weather, carcass cooling can be hastened and maintained by bags of ice which can be placed directly into the body cavity. Protect the carcass from flies.

Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling meat. Sanitize equipment and work surfaces thoroughly.

Always cook venison and other wild meat until it is no longer pink and the juices run clear. If cooked in this manner, the likelihood of any disease transmission to individuals consuming the meat is extremely small.

Hunters will find Michigan's fields and forests a wonderful place to hunt this fall. But, as with any such activity, precautions are warranted. Wildlife disease is something we all must be aware of and work together to prevent. For more information, visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.