With the start of the firearm hunting season in Michigan, the state Department of Health and Human Services is reminding hunters of a Do Not Eat advisory for deer taken within five miles of Clark’s Marsh in Oscoda township.
The Advisory was issued in October after high levels of perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAs were found in a deer caught close to the marsh. Deer there tested for PFAS at over 500 parts per billion.
PFAs are a family of chemicals that have been linked to cancer and other health problems in humans.
Angela Minicuci is with Michigan DHHS said the PFAs advisory level for deer comes from the department’s guidelines for fish.
“We look for levels over 300 parts per billion in fish and if they are above 300 parts per billion in fish then we put out a do not eat advisory.”
Minicucci said deer were tested across Michigan - but the only ones found with high levels of contamination was near the marsh.
She said three private labs have been identified that will test deer for the contamination if hunters want to be sure.
“It’s not something that the state would be paying for. We also just don’t recommend it at this point in time. We would recommend that you hunt outside the advisory zone.”
Minicucci said state health officials are talking to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources about having regular PFAs testing for animals - including waterfowl.
She said the health department also recommends hunters avoid eating the organs of deer - because that’s where chemicals, including PFAs, can accumulate.
You can find out more about where to take your deer for testing here: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73970_71692-482975--,00.html