COMMON WILDLIFE DISEASES
and PARASITES in
the NWT & Nunavut
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Moose infected with
warts.
Photo
credit: H. Schwantje, BC Environment, Lands &
Parks.
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Warts
in animals are caused by
viruses similar to those that cause warts in
people.
Papillomas
are spread between animals by direct contact.
One
type of warts occurs in caribou, moose, wapiti (elk) and deer.
Another
type of warts occurs in wolves and dogs.
They
are most common in animals younger than 2 years old.
In
the NWT and Nunavut, both types occur periodically
Affected
animals are usually in good body condition.
Warts
are often found on the
head
but can occur on other parts of the body.
In
caribou and moose, the warts are dark lumps that vary in size from 1
to 15 cm. There may be
only one or many and the surface may be rough or smooth.
In
wolves and dogs, warts are usually dry, hard, whitish,
cauliflower-like lumps on the lips and around the teeth.
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How
can I protect myself? |
You
cannot get warts from infected animals.
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Meat
from infected animals is suitable for human consumption.
Trim
off parts containing warts.
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