There is no evidence people can be infected by eating game or other meat infected with West Nile virus, but hunters should use standard health and safety practices when they handle, clean or cook any wild game. For example, they should wear gloves to prevent direct contact with animal blood and should always cook meat thoroughly before they eat it.
The only evidence of direct transfer of West Nile virus from birds to humans without going through a mosquito are two accidental infections when lab technicians cut themselves while handling heavily infected birds.
What's the risk to your dog? Again, there is no evidence of West Nile virus being transmitted through direct contact with an infected bird or animal.
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