Other Deer Diseases
Deer Tuberculosis
Monitoring by DNR and BOAH
Due to the spread of tuberculosis in deer in northeastern Michigan, the Indiana DNR and Board of Animal Health are monitoring Indiana’s deer herd for signs of the disease. There have been no deer that have tested positive for TB in Indiana. You can help with this effort to protect Indiana’s domestic and wild animal populations by helping to verify that Hoosier deer continue to be disease-free.
Inspect your deer!
- While field dressing your deer, look for white or red- blister-like sores (lesions) on internal organs or inside of the carcass. In the unlikely event you see lesions, exercise caution in handling the animal.
- Do not proceed with further processing until the carcass is examined by a State Board of Animal Health veterinarian. Refrigerate (or ice down) the carcass if possible.
- Keep the animal, including the head, intact until examined. To contact a veterinarian, call 1-877-747-3038 (toll free). This number is answered Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Messages left on weekends or holidays will be returned as soon as possible. A veterinarian will advise you, free-of-charge, about the appropriate use of the animal and may collect tissue samples for further testing. By reporting any suspicious lesion, you are helping to protect the health status of Indiana’s white-tailed deer resource.
If you submit your deer for further testing, the DNR will replace your permanent/temporary deer tag to allow revalidation of your existing license.
Be safe - wash your hands!
After field dressing or handling any carcass or other raw meat, wash your hands with soap and water. Hand washing removes disease-causing bacteria, including tuberculosis. This practice should always be followed, even if the animal appears healthy.
Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) Fact Sheet
For more information
For more information on Indiana's deer TB monitoring program, contact the Board of Animal Health:
Board of Animal Health
805 Beachway Drive, Suite 50
Indianapolis, IN 46224
Toll free phone: 1-877-747-3038
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
E-mail: animalhealth@boah.state.in.us
Deer Health in Indiana
