Download Safe Preparation and Cooking of Wild Game and Birds

Safe Preparation and Cooking
of Wild Game and Birds
All wild game and birds carry bacteria, viruses and parasites that can move
between wildlife and people. Proper handling of animals and meat reduces
the risk of serious infection. Remember to keep tools and work surfaces
clean when preparing wild birds or game animals. Follow these routine
precautions to reduce your risk of being exposed to any wildlife disease:
1. Do not handle animals or birds that are obviously sick or found dead.
2. Practice safe butchering practices. Don’t cut into infected parts, and avoid spilling
any intestinal contents onto the meat.
3. Keep your game meat cool, clean and dry.
4. Do not eat, drink or smoke while cleaning your game or birds.
5. Use rubber or disposable latex gloves when cleaning your game. Disposable gloves
are available from your local ENR office.
6. Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol wipes after dressing game.
7. Clean tools and surfaces immediately after use with hot soapy water, and disinfect
with a 10 percent chlorine bleach solution.
8. Cook game meat thoroughly to kill disease organisms and parasites. Freezing,
drying or smoking meat MAY NOT kill all bacteria, viruses or parasites
9. Don’t allow dogs to eat any parts from diseased wildlife, as there are some diseases
and parasites that they can get.
Report any sightings of sick or dead wildlife and birds to your local Environment
and Natural Resources office.
Please note the location, date and time you found the animal or bird and pass
this information to your local Renewable Resource Officer.
To submit wildlife samples or birds for testing, use latex gloves and put them
inside a sealed plastic bag.
December 2013