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Diseases and Parasites of Maryland Deer
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Arterial Worm (Lumpy Jaw) |
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The adult arterial nematode worm lives primarily in the deer’s carotid arteries.
High worm infestations reduce blood flow, which causes partial paralysis of the
deer’s jaw muscles. Food becomes impacted inside the deer’s mouth due to the jaw
muscle paralysis. The food impaction causes the “lumpy jaw” appearance. The
common horsefly passes the nematode larvae from an infected deer to an
uninfected one by feeding on deer blood. Infection rates are not high enough to
impact deer populations and no human health implication has been reported. |
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Acknowledgements: Photographs are used with the permission of the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease
Study located at the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine.
For more information about white-tailed deer parasites and diseases, visit the
Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study Web site at www.uga.edu/scwds/index.htm
The publication “Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases in the Southeastern United
States” (second edition) by William R. Davidson and Victor F. Nettles explains
and describes in detail parasites and diseases of southeastern birds and
mammals. It is available by calling 1-800-228-4689. The cost is $20 plus $4 shipping.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife and Heritage Service
Tawes State Office Building, E-1
Annapolis MD 21401
410-260-8540
Toll-free in Maryland: 1-877-620-8DNR, Ext. 8540
E-Mail: customerservice@dnr.state.md.us
Diseases and Parasites of Maryland Deer
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