Blue tongue in elk?

[LarryBeggs]

Has anyone dealt with this in elk? Is the meat safe to eat? My dad killed a bull this weekend that they think has blue tongue. Oregon state is running test on the head right now . Dad is 66 years old, has bad knees and bow hunts in rough country, this could be the last bull he gets to kill. I would hate to see it go to waste if it did not have to. They said they would issue him a new tag if he wants. But that the meat is probably safe. Any info would be great. Thanks

[mehounds]

White-tailed deer and mule deer are the primary wildlife species affected by HD. This disease is occasionally associated with deaths of pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep. Elk can become infected with this disease, but they do not seem to be nearly as susceptible as white-tailed deer. EHD rarely causes disease in domestic animals, while BT is a well-known disease of sheep, cattle, and goats and can also infect domestic dogs. The viruses are not known to cause disease in humans.

[LarryBeggs]

Turned out not to be Blue Tongue. Said it had some sort of fungus and something else . Did not tell us what the second thing was. Took the head and the meat. Told us to disinfect everything with bleach. If we kill another one they want to test it. This stinks. Wish they would tell us more. Now I probably should switch hunting grounds. Don`t want to loose another bull. To much effort to kill one just to have it taken away.

[jcathunter]

They took his antlers, too??? Where'd you take it, Larry? Adair? Have you talked with Richard Greene?

[LarryBeggs]

Yep, took every thing.I think if he pushed it he could get his antlers back. If we kill another one in that area they want us to bring it in to be tested. He told them if he killed a real big bull he would be hesitant to call them because he wouldn`t want to loose it. They said something could probably be worked out. But part of getting a new tag requires him to turn in everything. He is retired now and has all the time in the world to hunt. Even with his bad knees and his age I will be surprised if he doesn`t kill another one this year. The fungus spore the elk breathed in is pretty nasty stuff. It has killed several people on Vancouver Island and here in Oregon. Also dogs cats a couple alpacas and even a dolphin and a couple other elk. How a dolphin could breathe in a fungus spore I dont know. Nice bull buy the way Jason. Take care.