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Diseases and Parasites of Maryland Deer
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Nasal Bots |
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Fly larvae of the genus Cephenemyia live in the nasal passages and retropharyngeal pouches of deer. The adult fly
lays an egg packet on the deer’s skin around the nose or mouth. The deer
licks the egg packet and the larvae are released into the deer’s mouth. The
larvae grow within the deer’s nasal passages. Mature larvae drop on the
ground to pupate in the soil. Hunters find these larvae (nasal bots)
when dressing and butchering deer. Nasal bots are not harmful to the deer and
do not make the meat unsuitable for consumption. |
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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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