(Other names: deer warts, deer fibromas, fibromatosis, fibropapillomatosis, deer papillomavirus)
Deer severely infected with deer fibromas. This deer has multiple masses on its body, but some deer may have as few as one mass.
Description
Cutaneous fibroma is a common skin disease of white-tailed deer that occurs throughout their geographic range . It is caused by a virus unique to deer, so deer cannot spread this disease to other animals or humans. Although all deer can get this disease, young male deer are more often infected compared to other sex and age classes.
Transmission
Deer can contract the virus indirectly through open skin wounds, such as when an uninfected deer rubs on the same post as an infected deer. Deer can also get the virus directly from each other, such as when they are mating or sparring. The virus may also be transmitted from deer to deer by insects, such as mosquitoes.
Clinical Signs
Fibromas are most often observed on the neck, head, and shoulders of deer; however, they can present on other body parts. They appear as dark-colored, wartlike growths that can appear to be singular or in clumps. The wartlike bumps are hairless and have a leathery texture. They also vary greatly in size and can be anywhere from a quarter of an inch to more than 8 inches in diameter. If the growths are large, there is the possibility that they will impair the deer’s ability to move, see, or eat. Otherwise, the deer usually displays no signs of ill health.
Wildlife Management Implications
Cutaneous fibromas are not a significant driver of deer population declines. There are no treatments for or any way of getting rid of the fibromas, but deer can usually live in a normal fashion with fibromas present. If you see a deer with fibromas and would like to report it, use our online sick or dead wildlife reporting tool.
Human Health Significance
Although unsightly, deer fibromas do not pose a risk to human health. The tumors are usually confined to the skin and often do not reach into the meat or organs. If you find a deer that appears to be infected with pus and unpleasant smells, do not eat its meat.
Additional Resources
"Is This Safe To Eat?" (2006). USDA National Wildlife Research Center - Staff Publications. 427. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/icwdm_usdanwrc/427
Sundberg, J. P., & Nielsen, S. W. (1981). Deer fibroma: A review. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 22(12), 385