Piebald Anamoly - Diseases and Parasites of Maryland Deer

Piebald Anomaly
(This is not a parasite or disease.)

Photograph depicting two piebald deer

A genetic variation (defect) produces the piebald condition in white-tailed deer, not parasites or diseases. Piebald deer are colored white and brown similar to a pinto pony. Sometimes they appear almost entirely white. In addition to this coloration, many have some of the following observable conditions: bowing of the nose (Roman nose); short legs; arching spine (scoliosis); short lower jaws. This genetic condition is rare with typically less than one percent of white-tailed deer being affected.

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