Common Wildlife Diseases

Maintaining a healthy population of wildlife is important for many reasons. Emerging infections in wildlife have led to declines in species and species diversity around the globe. Some types of wildlife pathogens can also affect people, pets or livestock and therefore have important human health, welfare, and economic implications.

• Do not handle wildlife, their body parts or droppings without proper hand protection.
• If you think you were potentially exposed to a diseased animal, contact your local health department. 
• Wash hands and other areas of exposure after handling a wild animal. 

If you have seen or harvested a sick deer, please call your local District Biologist or the Wildlife Helpline at 1-866-318-2401.

Signs to look for:

• Isolation from other animals
• Listlessness or showing little or no interest in their surroundings
• Lack of coordination
• Frequent lowering of the head
• Blank facial expressions
• Walking in set patterns   
• Drooling and grinding of teeth
• Drinking lots of water and increased urination
• Low weight

For more information, see our Chronic Wasting Disease Fact Sheet (PDF).

 

Email: HWI@ncwildlife.org
Call: 866-318-2401. The Wildlife Helpline is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.