SUSSEX COUNTY, Del.-Â On September 1, a white-tailed deer was removed outside of a home after showing symptoms of rabies. On September 8, the deer tested positive.
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH)Â says anyone that thinks they may have been bitten, scratched, or touched the deer needs to call their doctor.
President of the Delaware State Sportsmen Association Jeff Hague says this is not normal in this area or even across the country.
"I've never heard of a deer getting rabies. It's not impossible," Hague said. "There are instances across the United States. But it's very rare which is a good thing so that we don't have an unhealthy white-tailed population."
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control recommends that people minimize handling deer in the area and do not eat any deer that was acting abnormally or appeared sick. Always wear gloves when handling a deer, And handle the deer's brain and spinal cord minimally.
"Wash everything that you use to dress the deer out," Hague said. "If you suspect the deer meat to be contaminated then you just don't use it. If you are concerned about rabies, which again is rare, ask that your meat be processed individually."
A unique case that isn't affecting the deer population but could affect you if you were near the deer.
DPH asks that if anyone thinks they came in contact with the deer to call their healthcare provider or the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995. An epidemiologist is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Health experts say if your pet came in contact with the rabid deer it should be okay as long as it has its rabies shots.
