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The Official Website of the Department of Fish and Game (DFG)

 
Wildlife Information

Wildlife Diseases

What You Should Know

MassWildlife Works for the Public & Wildlife by:

  • Deer tickMonitoring outbreaks of wildlife disease
  • Sharing information with humane and animal health authorities
  • Prohibiting the importation or relocation of wildlife
  • Prohibiting possession of captive/exotic wildlife as pets
  • Regulating wildlife populations through harvest of animals by licensed hunters and trappers
  • Increasing public awareness and understanding of wildlife through education

Wildlife Disease Summary

  • Avian Influenza - A summary of actions being taken by MassWildlife as part of a nationwide surveillance program. Reporting guidlines, FAQ sheet and links to other agencies.
  • Chronic Wasting Disease - Learn more about this disease that is moving across the country and what MassWildlife is doing to prevent it from spreading to deer in this state.
  • Lyme Disease - Tick-Borne Disease information from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) describing the disease and how to protect yourself.
  • Rabies - Information about rabies and what you can do to protect you,your family and your pets.
  • Raccoon Roundworm - Information on this parasite and how to prevent infection.
  • West Nile Virus -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has information on this disease which affects birds. Dead birds are no longer being tested for WNV and do not need to be reported to DPH. Dead birds can be safely disposed of in the trash. Using gloves, a shovel or plastic bags covering your hands, the dead bird should be double-bagged and placed in the trash. You should then wash your hands. WNV fact sheet from DPH.

Other agencies with information on animals and wildlife disease include: