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Lumpy jaw is caused by bacteria normally found in the mouths of healthy animals. The bacteria can enter through wounds in the mouth, which can be caused by coarse feed or when teeth break through the gums during development.
Lumpy jaw occurs in a wide range of wild ungulates. In the NWT, lumpy jaw occurs periodically in Dall’s sheep. The disease does not spread between animals.
Infection of the jaw bone itself causes firm swellings that can be quite large. Swellings containing thick yellow pus (abscesses) can also be found around the mouth and jaw. Lumpy jaw may interfere with the animal’s ability to eat. Other than the swelling on the jaw, animals may appear healthy.
You cannot get lumpy jaw from infected animals. Be careful not to cut into pus-filled swellings. If this happens, pus can be spread and contaminate other parts of the carcass.
Parts containing abscesses should not be eaten. The remainder of the carcass is suitable for human consumption.
Lower jaw and surrounding tissue |
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