USDA: Ohio deer found with COVID-19

WASHINGTON – The United States Department of Agriculture announced Friday that the virus that causes COVID-19 was found in wild white-tailed deer in Ohio.

These are the first deer to be confirmed with the virus worldwide.

The samples were taken by The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine between January and March 2021, as part of ongoing deer damage management activities. The tests were then confirmed at by The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. There were no reports of any deer showing clinical signs of infection.

The USDA says that, based on current information, the risk of animals spreading the virus to people is considered to be low.