Maryland Dept of Natural Resources Deer in Maryland - Wildlife and Heritage Service
  DNR Home

 

Deer in Maryland

The Game Program

Wildlife & Heritage Home

Contact Us

access for all logo = wheelchair symbolAccess For All


Diseases and Parasites of Maryland Deer
Hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts sometimes observe deer with physical abnormalities or view a deer behaving in an unusual manner. Click on the following pictures or topics to learn more about the most commonly observed maladies in Maryland’s white-tailed deer.
 

Not all deer that exhibit abnormal behavior or reduced movement are sick. When deer are injured, they may reduce their movement or remain close to humans until their injury heals. A few deer are born with abnormalities such as three legs. Many injured deer and deer with abnormalities can survive and lead a normal deer life.

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.

Email us with questions, comments, and suggestions.
  © Copyright 1995-2004 Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

This page updated February 19, 2009