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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 are also included.
  • 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 PDF icon - External link to a fact sheet from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health describing the disease and how to protect yourself.
  • Rabies - Information about rabies and what you can do to protect you and your family.
  • Raccoon Roundworm - Information on this parasite and how to prevent infection.
  • West Nile Virus PDF icon -- External link to a fact sheet from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on this disease which affects birds. Includes information on reporting possible cases.

Other agencies with information on animals and wildlife disease are:
Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources