Kiera Jefferson
Deer meat is a popular food source for many, but is it safe to consume? In recent years, several states have issued health advisories against eating deer meat due to the presence of toxic chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS have been linked to various health issues in humans, including cancer, liver damage, and thyroid diseases. States such as Michigan, Maine, and Wisconsin have advised hunters to dispose of deer organs and avoid consuming venison from certain areas due to high levels of PFAS contamination. North Carolina has also detected PFAS in some deer populations, particularly near airstrips and military bases, raising concerns about the safety of deer meat in the state. With the discovery of Chronic Wasting Disease in North Carolina's deer population and the potential presence of PFAS, what does this mean for hunters and consumers of deer meat in the state?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Disease | Chronic Wasting Disease |
| Transmissibility | Transmitted from individual to individual |
| Cure | No cure or treatment |
| Fatality rate | 100% fatal to cervids |
| Infected species | White-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose |
| Surveillance areas | Parts of Surry, Yadkin, Davie, Forsyth, Stokes, Iredell, Alleghany Counties |
| Testing | Free-of-charge CWD testing for hunter-harvested deer heads |
| Incubation period | 18-24 months |
| Signs | Poor body condition, stumbling, reduced fear of humans, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, excessive urination and thirst |
| Infection sites | Brain, spinal cord, eyes, lymph nodes, spleen, urine, feces, blood, saliva, deboned meat |
| Pollutants | PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) |
| Affected areas | Near airstrips or military bases |
| Advisories | Avoid liver and other organs, dispose of organ meats, limit seafood servings, avoid eating wild game |
| States with advisories | Michigan, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Maine |
| Bag limit | Six deer, two of which may be antlered, and four of which may be antlerless |
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What You'll Learn
PFAS chemicals in deer meat
Deer meat has been found to contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in several states across the US, including North Carolina. PFAS are industrial compounds that have been used for decades in a wide range of household and consumer products, such as non-stick cookware, clothing, carpeting, upholstery, personal care products, and fire extinguishers.
PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil, and their persistence in the environment and the human body. While PFAS can be present in trace amounts in the environment without causing harm, certain areas, particularly near military bases and airstrips, have been found to have high levels of PFAS pollution, which has led to concerns about the safety of consuming meat from wild game in these areas.
In states such as Michigan, Maine, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin, high levels of PFAS have been detected in deer, leading to health advisories being issued against consuming deer meat and organs, particularly the liver and kidneys, in certain areas. These organs may contain higher levels of PFAS and other chemicals than the muscle tissue, and cooking does not reduce the levels of PFAS in the meat or organs.
The discovery of PFAS in deer meat has raised concerns among hunters and those who consume venison, as it poses a threat to the hunting industry and raises questions about the safety of consuming wild game. While North Carolina is not currently listed as one of the states with a "Do Not Eat" advisory for deer meat, the presence of PFAS in the state's deer population has been confirmed by wildlife experts, who recommend that hunters check with their state's wildlife agency to ensure the safety of the game they are hunting.
To address the knowledge gap regarding the effects of PFAS exposure in large mammals, scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey are conducting research to assess the prevalence of PFAS and other contaminants in white-tailed deer across the United States.
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Advisories against eating deer meat
In Michigan, the state has issued a "do not eat" advisory for deer meat, particularly targeting organs such as the liver and kidneys, due to the higher levels of PFAS accumulation in these parts. Similarly, Wisconsin has advised against consuming deer liver, specifically in the advisory area near Marinette, where PFAS levels in deer are a concern. Maine has also issued a "do not eat" advisory for deer harvested in the Fairfield area, north of Portland, as they expand their testing for PFAS across the state.
In North Carolina, while there have been warnings about deer hunting due to the presence of PFAS, the levels are not believed to be high enough to pose a toxic risk to deer or other animals. However, a recent detection of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the state's deer population has raised concerns. CWD is a fatal disease with no treatment or cure, and it can spread undetected during its long incubation period. In response, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has established surveillance areas and testing programs to detect and manage CWD in the deer population.
It is important for hunters and consumers of wild game to stay informed about advisories and take precautions when hunting in different areas. While PFAS may be present in trace amounts in the environment, avoiding the consumption of organs and checking with local wildlife agencies can help minimize potential health risks. Additionally, proper handling and preparation of deer meat, including trimming and discarding contaminated portions, can reduce the risk of consuming harmful substances like lead from ammunition.
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Chronic Wasting Disease in deer
Deer meat in North Carolina may be polluted with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as "forever chemicals". PFAS are industrial compounds used in a variety of household products, such as non-stick cookware, clothing, and fire extinguishers. These chemicals have been detected in deer in several states, including North Carolina, and have been linked to health problems such as cancer, high cholesterol, decreased fertility, thyroid disease, and liver damage. While the rural landscape of North Carolina is expected to have very low levels of PFAS, it is still recommended that hunters avoid consuming liver and other organs of the deer, as these can be especially high in PFAS contamination.
In addition to PFAS contamination, deer in North Carolina are also facing a new threat in the form of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). CWD is a fatal disease that infects cervids, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose. It was first detected in North Carolina in March 2022 when a sample from a deer harvested in northern Yadkin County tested positive for CWD. Since then, the state has implemented surveillance and testing programs to detect and manage the disease. CWD is believed to have originated in deer and elk at a research facility at Colorado State University in 1967.
Chronic Wasting Disease is a serious concern for deer populations in North Carolina. It is transmitted from individual to individual, and currently, there is no treatment or cure. The incubation period for CWD can range from 18 to 24 months, during which the disease can spread undetected. Visible signs of CWD in cervids include poor body condition, stumbling, reduced fear of humans, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and increased urination and thirst. The disease can be found in the brain, spinal cord, eyes, lymph nodes, and spleen, as well as in urine, feces, blood, saliva, and deboned meat.
To address the issue of CWD, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has established Primary and Secondary Surveillance Areas in several counties, including Surry, Yadkin, and Forsyth, to increase surveillance efforts and detect additional cases of CWD in white-tailed deer. The NCWRC has also developed the Cervid Health Cooperator Program, which includes taxidermists, meat processors, and stand-alone cooler sites where hunters can submit their harvested deer heads for free CWD testing. These measures aim to help manage the spread of CWD and protect the health of deer populations in North Carolina.
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Regulations for deer hunting in NC
Deer hunting in North Carolina is subject to a range of regulations. Firstly, all hunters in North Carolina must possess a valid hunting license. This can be a resident, non-resident, or specific category license (veteran, disabled, youth, etc.). Hunters under 16 years old and without a mentor are also required to obtain a hunter education certificate.
There are different zones in North Carolina that determine the hunting season and which weapons hunters may use. The deer hunting season in North Carolina is divided into archery, blackpowder, and gun seasons. During the archery season, legal weapons include bows and arrows, crossbows, and slingbows. The blackpowder season permits the use of bows and arrows, crossbows, slingbows, and black powder firearms. During the gun season, hunters can use shotguns, rifles, handguns, bows and arrows, crossbows, and slingbows. Rifles chambered for .22 rimfire cartridges and centerfire rifles of .23 caliber or smaller are prohibited for hunting deer, and only hunting ammunition may be used.
The season and possession bag limit is six deer, with a maximum of two antlered deer and four antlerless deer. Antlered deer can be taken during any open antlered deer season, while antlerless deer can only be taken during antlerless deer seasons. Antlered deer are defined as having visible bony structures protruding through the skin, excluding knobs or buttons covered by skin or velvet.
Baiting deer with commercially available mineral supplements is allowed in North Carolina, except on game lands and CWD Surveillance Areas. However, it is unlawful to place processed food products as bait in areas with an established season for taking black bears. Natural deer excretions, including urine, are prohibited.
Hunters may use dogs during open deer seasons in specified counties and to retrieve wounded deer. In certain counties, deer may not be hunted from boats or other floating devices. When hunting bear, rabbit, squirrel, or other specified animals with firearms, hunters must wear a cap or outer garment of hunter orange material visible from all sides.
It is unlawful to import, transport, or possess a cervid carcass or cervid carcass parts originating from outside North Carolina, except for specific exceptions, such as meat that has been boned out with no bone fragments remaining. These parts must be labeled with the individual's information, including their name, address, and hunting license number.
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Military bases and PFAS pollution
Deer meat in North Carolina may be polluted with PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as "forever chemicals". PFAS are industrial compounds found in a wide range of products, from nonstick cookware and clothing to firefighting foam. These chemicals have been detected in deer in several states, including North Carolina, and are linked to serious health issues such as cancer. While the rural landscape of North Carolina is expected to have low levels of PFAS, areas near airstrips or military bases may have higher concentrations due to the frequent use of fire suppressants.
Military bases in North Carolina and across the United States are facing scrutiny for PFAS pollution, particularly in drinking water and groundwater. A Department of Defense study found PFAS levels exceeding the latest EPA guidelines in the drinking water at 24 bases, including Fort Bragg in North Carolina. The contamination has affected not only military personnel but also the surrounding communities. The Environmental Working Group estimates that over 600,000 service members and their families have been exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals in their drinking water.
PFAS pollution at military bases is primarily attributed to the use of firefighting foam during training and emergencies. The chemicals in the foam have seeped into the soil and groundwater, and in some cases, polluted nearby water sources. The Pentagon is now tasked with developing a timeline for cleaning up the contaminated soil and water, which is expected to be a lengthy and costly process. Of the nearly 700 sites on the Pentagon's evaluation list, 11 are in North Carolina, including major bases, National Guard installations, and a former missile factory.
The Biden administration has introduced initiatives to address PFAS pollution, and Congress has allocated significant funding for cleanup efforts. However, critics argue that the process is too slow, and the full scope of the contamination and its health impacts are yet to be fully understood. In the meantime, states like Maine, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire have issued advisories against consuming deer meat and organs, particularly in areas with known PFAS contamination.
In addition to PFAS pollution, North Carolina's deer population faces another threat in the form of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). CWD is a fatal disease that infects cervids, including deer, and has been detected in the state's deer herd as of March 2022. The disease has a long incubation period, during which it can spread undetected, and currently has no treatment or cure.
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Frequently asked questions
PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, also known as "forever chemicals" because they are highly resistant to breaking down. They are a group of thousands of long-lasting chemicals used in products such as nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and firefighting foam.
Deer meat in NC may be polluted with PFAS. While PFAS levels in NC's rural landscape are generally very low and not high enough to be toxic to animals or deer, some areas near airstrips or military bases, where fire suppressants have been used frequently, have found deer with high concentrations of PFAS.
Research has linked exposure to PFAS to various health issues, including liver damage, thyroid diseases, high cholesterol, decreased fertility, and certain cancers.
Hunters should check with the state's wildlife agency to ensure the game they are hunting is safe, especially if they plan on harvesting any meat. Organ meat, especially liver and kidneys, can be especially high in PFAS contamination, so hunters should consider avoiding the consumption of these organs.
