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Another Deer Disease

Another Deer Disease

By Bob Humphrey

Although whitetails can get this disease, it’s not something to worry about.

QUESTION: How common is it for deer to have rabies. I only mention that because I’ve seen two stories about it in a relatively short period of time. — Linda O.

ANSWER: I was aware it occurred but had no idea how often until your question prompted me to dig a little deeper. One study found 11 rabid deer from four deer farms in neighboring Pennsylvania counties between 2007 and 2011. The authors of that study also noted 104 (wild) rabid deer had been reported in the United States since 1990. After an incident this year in North Carolina, NCWRC deer biologist Jonathan Shawn observed his state has had seven deer test positive over the past 20 years. Most sources said it is quite rare, but it does occur.

— Recent Ask the Biologist Question:

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