Pre-exposure vaccination to hunt deer is not necessary. Avoid exposure to rabies and other diseases when handling game. The rabies virus is present in high amounts in the brain, spinal cord, and salivary glands of an affected animal. It may also be found in nerves associated with the meat of an infected animal. The virus may be preserved for extended periods of time by refrigeration and freezing.
Thorough cooking destroys the rabies virus.
Rabies is typically transmitted through a bite or scratch from a rabid animal. Infection through these types of non-bite exposures is rare. Wear long rubber or plastic gloves while field dressing or skinning meat or when handling uncooked or thawing meat. Remove gloves carefully and place them in a plastic bag for disposal or disinfection. Wash any potentially contaminated clothing in hot water.