{"id":9756,"date":"2023-07-07T10:58:25","date_gmt":"2023-07-07T17:58:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.azgfd.com\/?page_id=9756"},"modified":"2025-07-02T14:37:07","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T21:37:07","slug":"wildlife-diseases-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.azgfd.com\/wildlife-conservation\/wildlife-diseases-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Wildlife Diseases"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wildlife Associated Diseases and Health Monitoring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wildlife resources are under constant change due to human population growth, introduction of invasive species, and habitat loss and degradation. These factors can contribute to the emergence of infectious diseases. Wildlife species are subject to diseases resulting from exposure to bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, and other biological and physical agents. Wildlife species can be natural hosts for diseases that affect humans. The diseases which are directly transmitted from animals to humans are referred to as zoonotic diseases. Diseases transmitted from animals to human via vectors (usually through insect bites) are referred to as vector-borne diseases. The Department investigates significant wildlife disease and mortality events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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chronic wasting disease<\/h3>\n\n \n

Chronic Wasting Disease \u2013 What to Know Before the Hunt<\/a><\/p>\n\n \n

State Carcass Transport Regulations<\/a><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To report dead wildlife<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have a wildlife related emergency, call our 24 hour dispatch center at 623-236-7201. Wildlife health personnel will respond Monday through Friday during normal business hours. You can leave a message if it is before or after business hours. Fresh samples are required for testing. A recently dead small animal or bird may be collected by wearing gloves, double bagged, and frozen. If the animal you are calling about has been shot and you are reporting possible illegal activity, call Operation Game Thief 800-352-0700.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For sick or injured wildlife contact a wildlife rehabilitator<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Common Diseases of Wildlife in Arizona<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\n \n Pneumonia \n \n Press to toggle details.\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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Pneumonia in bighorn sheep<\/h4>\n\n \n

A bacterial respiratory infection transmitted to wild bighorn sheep from contact with livestock, primarily domestic sheep. It is often fatal, and is a major threat to wild populations.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\n \n rabies\n \n Press to toggle details.\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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Rabies<\/h4>\n\n \n

Rabies is a viral infection of the nervous system. Exposure occurs with a bite from a carrier such as a bat, fox, and skunk. Signs include activity during abnormal hours and extremely aggressive or allowing humans to approach.  It is almost always fatal if post-exposure treatment is not sought immediately.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\n \n Pigeon paramyxovirus \n \n Press to toggle details.\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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Pigeon paramyxovirus in Eurasian Collared Dove<\/h4>\n\n \n

A contagious viral disease that mainly affects the Eurasian collared dove. The virus can cause abnormal behavior and twisting of their necks. Birds become infected through bodily fluids and droppings of other birds, and contaminated feeders or waters.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\n \n Trichomoniasis \n \n Press to toggle details.\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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Trichomoniasis (Mourning Dove)<\/h4>\n\n \n

A parasitic disease mainly in pigeons and doves that causes difficulty eating or drinking, weakness, and death. It is transmitted through feed and water contaminated by saliva from infected birds. Cleanliness and fewer birds at feeders can help decrease this disease.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\n \n Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus\n \n Press to toggle details.\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus<\/h4>\n\n \n

RHDV2 is a highly contagious and deadly virus in wild and domestic rabbits. Wild rabbits are often found dead with blood around the nose.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\n \n Avian Botulism\n \n Press to toggle details.\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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Avian Botulism<\/h4>\n\n \n

Avian botulism is caused by a naturally-occurring toxin found in aquatic environments that causes weakness, paralysis and death, primarily in waterfowl. It is more common in hot summer months. Water management and carcass removal are helpful to decrease intoxications.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\n \n Tularemia\n \n Press to toggle details.\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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Tularemia<\/h4>\n\n \n

A bacterial disease often seen in rodents and rabbits, but can also affect people and domestic animals. It can be transmitted through contact with infected animals or carcasses, ticks, and biting insects.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\n \n Avian Influenza\n \n Press to toggle details.\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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Avian Influenza<\/h4>\n\n \n

Avian influenza is a virus that naturally occurs in wild birds, especially waterfowl, and usually doesn\u2019t cause disease. The highly pathogenic strains (HPAI) can cause severe disease and death in domestic poultry, wild birds, and occasionally in mammals.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\n \n Elaeophorosis\n \n Press to toggle details.\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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Elaeophorosis<\/h4>\n\n \n

Elaeophorosis is caused by a parasite in white-tailed deer and elk. It obstructs blood flow to the head which can result in facial and jaw swelling, decreased ability to chew, and blindness. Mule deer are typically resistant to infection.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\n \n Hemorrhagic Disease\n \n Press to toggle details.\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD and Bluetongue)<\/h4>\n\n \n

Hemorrhagic disease is transmitted by tiny midges, caused by two closely related viruses. It can affect deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn, and is usually seen from August through October.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\n \n plague\n \n Press to toggle details.\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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Plague<\/h4>\n\n \n

Plague is a deadly bacterial infection transmitted by fleas, contaminated soil, or by interacting with infected animals. Rodents and rabbits are the most common hosts, and prairie dogs are strongly affected. Plague can cause severe disease in humans and pets.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Health and Disease Programs at AZGFD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n