South Dakota Animal Industry Board, 605-773-3321
South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks, 605-773-3485
South Dakota Department of Health, 605-773-3361

Lead Fragments in Ground Venison

• In late March 2008, North Dakota announced that lead had been found in ground venison donated to food pantries in the state. South Dakota is not aware of any complaints or illness tied to venison in the state or in neighboring states.
• Children under the age of six are at greater risk for lead poisoning because their brains and central nervous systems are still being developed.
• Pregnant women should also avoid lead exposure because lead can easily cross the placenta and transfer to the fetus.
• South Dakotans have long recognized that there is a potential for consuming lead in pheasants and other game birds. A lead bullet hitting a deer fragments more than a lead pellet in a pheasant.
• Customers of food banks in South Dakota should be aware of the possibility of trace lead contamination from bullet fragments in donated wild game venison. Hunters should also be aware. Individuals who have concerns about the meat should not eat it.
• To date, testing of ground venison by other states has resulted in a wide variety of findings. South Dakota is in contact with states doing testing and is closely monitoring the results. At this point, it is not possible to say with any certainty whether ground venison poses a health threat.
• Lead-based paint is still the leading cause of lead exposure for children.

April 16, 2008