Ohio deer test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19

Ohio (WOIO) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Saturday that Ohio white-tailed deer have tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19.

There have been no reports of deer showing clinical signs of infection, the USDA added in a statement to the media.

Researchers at Ohio State University collected samples between January and March while studying deer damage, according to the statement.

The positive tests were not a complete surprise. Previous studies have found that deer can become infected experimentally and that some wild deer had antibodies to the virus.

A small number of animal species worldwide have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Most were animals that were in close contact with a person with COVID-19.

The USDA announces cases of confirmed infection in animals whenever the virus is found in a new species.

People can spread the virus to animals, the agriculture department said. People with suspicion or confirmation of COVID-19 should avoid contact with pets and other animals to protect them.

The USDA and other organizations have published information on who should prevent the spread of COVID-19 among people and wildlife, recommendations for pet owners and people working with animals, and how and when to test the virus on animals. .

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