I intend (still have not succeeded in hunting yet) to do some health checks once i get a deer, pig or goat, to reduce chance of catching any diseases or parasites (where possible or to atleast reduce risk) before harvesting the meat for later consumption by myself and family. (Also if i find a diseased animal, i would report to DPI as part of harvest return, where it asks about it).
Such as:
1. Use an Infrared thermometer to check temperature. I plan a first external check and if other checks ok to perhaps check liver temperature. Check against normal ranges. Normal range for goat also depends on if has water and time of day. Obviously also by how long after death.
2. Check for ticks and other parasites, sores or anything viewable on external of animal. Questions: where do ticks usually go on body? How many ticks do you think would still be acceptable? Any other signs of parasites you can suggest? Any observable marks on fecal exit point or other location?
3. Visual checks of organs such as cysts on liver.
4. Any other suggestions for what to check? Hoffs? Mouth? Eyes? ? ? Perhaps can add suggestions to this thread or add photos of diseased animals you have hunted and explain issue etc.
5. Perhaps other things, such as behavoral changes that could be observed before shooting the animal. For example do goats reject sick goats from herd (as in it is a loner)?
I look forward to suggestions