via Adrian Fandagani Maaño, Pressroom PH
Citizens raise their concerns about sightings and viral photos of “mutant deer” around multiple states in the US as a potential virus outbreak.
According to Cornell University's Wildlife Health Lab, this disease is known as “fibromas,” which is caused by poxviruses and papillomaviruses on specific species transmitted through fleas, mosquitoes, or direct contact with injured skin.
Wildlife agencies in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin consider these cases as common, though they were unaware of the increase of fibroma reports these past few months.
While this virus can be contagious to animals, the Maine Department of Fisheries and Inland Wildlife assures citizens that it is not a threat for humans or livestock.
Cases of fibromas in deer have been recorded in the past, and the virus specific to deer is not dangerous to people or the animal infected.
The spokesperson of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Travis Lau, together with Maine's Department of Fisheries and Inland Wildlife, explained that the virus is usually not harmful unless the infected animal’s ability to eat, see, or move is affected severely.
Lau added that there is no specific treatment for fibromas.
However, deer with healthy immune systems can fight off the virus by themselves until it eventually goes away.
Experts also confirmed that an infected animal’s meat is safe for consumption.
However, if there are any health or safety questions, the citizens are recommended to contact local wildlife authorities.
Wildlife experts also advised citizens to contact local authorities if the fibromas affect a deer negatively; if not, it is best to leave these infected animals alone to recover from the virus by themselves, as these animals can usually function normally despite having fibromas.
