growths on deer

jcmuleys · Jun 7, 2009

I have seen a few deer each year that have growths on them. They are dark in color like the ones pictured and seem to be watery as they flop around when the deer moves. I've always wondered what causes it and what it is. Has anyone shot a deer that has these on them? What are they?

JC

Colorado Hunting Consultants LLC
www.cohunthelp.com

one_dryboot · Jun 7, 2009

almost looks like a tick. or a std? i dont know

BOHNTR · Jun 7, 2009

They're called cutaneous fibromas, commonly called deer warts. Fibromas are benign tumors that are composed of fibrous or connective tissue and are tumors which involve the skin. They are caused by a virus specific to deer. The virus is thought to be transmitted by various biting insects. However, another possible means of transmission of the viral agent is direct contact through any assortment of contaminated objects, which may scratch or penetrate the skin of the deer.

BOHNTR )))---------->

huntingjlc · Jun 7, 2009

BOHNTR,
So are the deer still ok to eat? My wife shot a deer that had one of these a couple of years ago. We talked to the Fish and Game and they had no idea what it was or if you could eat the meat.

BOHNTR · Jun 7, 2009

Here's some good info written on that very subject:

"Rarely do fibromas cause deer any problems but occasionally the location of a large single or multiple clumps of fibromas can interfere with sight, eating, breathing, or even affect the ability of the deer to walk. The attachment of the fibroma is limited to the skin and no evidence of it can normally be found in the muscle. Fibroma presence is typically indistinguishable after skinning the deer.

No human infection from cutaneous fibromas has ever been reported or discovered. Most of the time it is safe to consume the meat of a deer as the tumors only involve the skin. The only concern one should have is when the deer has severe secondary bacterial infection within the warts. Occasionally the larger fibromas acquire a bacterial infection through a break in the skin, which would render the deer unsuitable for human consumption. Therefore, you should discard any carcass and contact the local F&G if the fibromas look like they have been injured or have a foul smell."

BOHNTR )))---------->