Can You Get Lyme Disease From Eating Infected Game Meat?

Transmission Risks

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is primarily spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis). The bacteria are not transmitted through the consumption of infected game meat, such as deer, but rather through the saliva of an infected tick during a bite. Studies have shown that the risk of Lyme disease transmission via tick saliva is highest during the first 24-48 hours after a tick attaches to a host.

Prevention Techniques

Hunters can take several steps to minimize their risk of exposure to Lyme disease while hunting: wearing protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and pants, and applying insect repellent with DEET; conducting regular tick checks on themselves and their gear; and using a tick-removal tool to safely remove attached ticks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend checking for ticks every 3-4 hours and removing any attached ticks within 24 hours to minimize the risk of Lyme disease transmission. Hunters should also consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear, as this has been shown to be an effective method for preventing tick attachment.

Risk Factors

Hunters in areas with high Lyme disease incidence, such as the Northeast and Upper Midwest regions of the United States, should be particularly vigilant about preventing tick attachment and properly removing any attached ticks. According to the CDC, Lyme disease cases in the United States have increased significantly over the past several decades, with over 30,000 reported cases in 2020. Hunters should be aware of the risk factors associated with Lyme disease, including prolonged exposure to tick habitats, such as wooded and bushy areas, and taking steps to minimize their risk of exposure.