Get our free mobile app

Deer hunting season for archers has been open for East Texas hunters for a little over a month and now that rifle season is open hunters should be aware that the deer they're hunting could be carrying coronavirus according to new research.

As hunters prepared for deer season with food plots, getting the lanes cleared out, blinds in the right spot, white-tailed deer have apparently been serving as reservoirs for coronavirus according to researchers from Penn State University. Researchers are notifying hunters and letting them know to be aware that the deer they hunt could contain the virus.

How much of the deer population in the study was carrying coronavirus?

White-tailed deer in the US have been studied for over a year now and researchers have found that when looking at the deer population in Iowa, at least 80% have active SARS-CoV-2 infections. This test was conducted from November 23, 2020 to January 10, 2021. In similar studies of deer from the Northeast and Midwest, 40% of the deer population had active antibodies against the virus. This doesn't necessarily mean the deer have SARS-CoV-2 but have been exposed and they have developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 which could lead to COVID-19.

If we want to continue to be proactive about emerging variants — and not be surprised by one that suddenly pops up — there's an urgent need to continue to monitor SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife, especially in animals that could serve as a reservoir, like the deer. - Suresh Kuchipudi, Veterinary Virologist Penn State University

Is coronavirus transmitted from humans to animals or animals to humans?

These deer are becoming known as reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2 as they move about the country. At this time researchers feel there is no direct threat that hunters can contract the disease from deer, but they just want those who are handling them or near them to be aware. As these animals serve as a reservoir for the virus, it will make it harder for us to eradicate it because they are carrying it indefinitely where it could mutate and potentially spread back to humans as a new mutation and possibly to other animals too.

Texas Cities And Towns That Will Make That Young Teenager In You Laugh A Bit

Yeah, we're tapping into our less mature side with this one and letting that inner teenage boy laugh a little more at these Texas town names that sound a little dirty or perverted.

Only The Truest East Texan Can Get Through This 'Jeopardy!' Game

We took one of America's most popular game shows and put an East Texas spin on it. Scroll slowly through the answer so you don't reveal the question too early! Good luck, sorry there's no money to be won, just bragging rights on how many you get right!

The A to Z Guide of Tyler, Texas

Tyler offers its residents and visitors a wide variety of activities, whether its family activities, dining out, cultural experiences or history, there is a lot to do and learn.

These Four Words Will Ruin An East Texas Thanksgiving

The holidays are coming quickly, what surprises await you in a couple of weeks during Thanksgiving? We asked that statement on our social media platforms and y'all gave us these four words.

A Modern Day Castle In Southlake, Texas Just Listed For $5 Million

This castle north of DFW airport has enough room for a king, queen, princes and princesses along with the full court and jesters too!

More From Mix 93.1