As fall approaches, so does hunting season! Sportsmen and sportswomen who enjoy hunting, camping, hiking or other activities need to be prepared for disease-causing bacteria that may be waiting for them. According to Guy Moore, a wildlife biologist with Texas Department of State Health Services, “Outdoor activities bring a greater risk of exposure to diseases transmitted by fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other animals.”
Some of these diseases and their carriers are:
- Brucellosis, a bacterial disease, which can be carried by wild hogs.
- Anthrax, a bacterium that can cause a severe, life-threatening disease in both animals and humans, sometimes carried by deer.
- Plague, which is sometimes transmitted by squirrels, rats, prairie dogs, fleas, and mice.
- Hantivirus infection to people can sometimes be spread from the excretions from mice. These may be spread in the air on dust particles.
- Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia can be caused by bites from infected ticks.
- West Nile Virus and encephalitis are diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
- Rabies can be carried by all warm-blooded animals- such as skunks, bats, coyotes, and foxes.
If you are still determined to go out and face these critters, we encourage you to do so. Most of these illnesses are rare, with the exception of West Nile. Just keep these reminders handy:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after handling game.
- Use insect repellents containing DEET.
- Wear protective clothing, and light colored clothes so you can see ticks on your clothes.
- Stay away from overgrown brush and tall grass if possible.
- Do not touch antlers, bones, hides or other parts of dead animals.
Texas DSHS
If you are getting ready to exercise your right to bear arms, whether it’s against deer, turkey, moose, or waterfowl, here are some reminders for your safe hunting:
- Always treat your firearm as if it were loaded.
- Be certain of your target and what is beyond it.
- During daylight hours, be sure to wear a hat or cap, vest, rain wear, or outer garment that is Hunter Orange and visible from all sides.
- Some states allow camouflage vests if they are 50% Hunter Orange.
- Keep control of your emotions.
- If you are in an elevated deer blind, wear a fall resistant device, when climbing, sitting, or descending from position.
- Maintain your weapon properly.
- Carry flashlight for dim situations, so that you may be seen.
- Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
Waterfowl hunters should wear waterproof, warm clothing, and take spare clothes. Chemical hand warmers come in handy when hunting in cold conditions.
Be sure to tell someone where you plan to hunt and when you plan to return. Take your cell phone for added security. Happy Hunting!
As fall approaches, so does hunting season! Sportsmen and sportswomen who enjoy hunting, camping, hiking or other activities need to be prepared for disease-causing bacteria that may be waiting for them. According to Guy Moore, a wildlife biologist with Texas Department of State Health Services, “outdoor activities bring a greater risk of exposure to diseases transmitted by fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other animals.”
Some of these germ carriers are:
- Wild hogs, which can carry brucellosis, a bacterial disease.
- Deer, which can transmit anthrax, a bacterium that can cause a severe, life-threatening disease in both animals and humans.
- Fleas and some animals such as squirrels, cats, rats, prairie dogs, and mice can transmit plague to humans.
- Mice can spread hantavirus infection to people. They shed the virus in droppings, urine and saliva, and upon drying, these excretions can spread in the air on dust particles.
- Ticks – an infected tick can cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
- Mosquitoes, of course, are a nuisance and can carry organisms that cause encephalitis and West Nile infection.
- All warm-blooded animals are susceptible to rabies. Skunks, bats, coyotes and foxes are known carriers of rabies.
If you are still determined to go out there and enjoy the outdoors, don’t let us discourage you.
Most of these illnesses are rare, with the exception of West Nile. Just keep these reminders handy:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after handling game.
- Wear eye protection when dressing game.
- Use insect repellents containing DEET.
- Wear protective clothing, and light colored clothes so you can spot ticks.
- Stay away from overgrown brush and tall grass if possible.
- Do not touch antlers, bones, hides or other parts of dead animals.
Texas DSHS
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