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MENINGEAL BRAIN WORM
Meningeal brain worm is caused by a parasitic nematode (roundworm) infection of
Parelaphostrongylus tenuis. White-tailed
deer are the main host for MBW but may
not show signs of illness even if they are
shedding the parasite. Transmission occurs
through ingestion of a gastropod (snail) during
grazing. MBW can infect and cause disease
in livestock, deer, elk, pronghorn, and bighorn
sheep. Signs of MBW infection include single
or rear limb weakness, stumbling, circling, head tilt and other neurologic signs.
HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE
Hemorrhagic disease is a generalized term for two related viruses in the genus orbivirus:
epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus and bluetongue virus. HD is transmitted to deer by biting
midges of the genus Culicoides. Pronghorn, white-tailed deer and mule deer are all susceptible
to HD, but white-tailed deer seem to be more vulnerable. Signs of HD include a swollen head,
neck, tongue or eyelids.
HOW CAN I GET MY DEER TESTED?
Hunters who wish to have a deer tested can contact an accredited lab in Nebraska or
surrounding states. Hunters can visit aphis.usda.gov/labs/nahln/approved-labs for lab and
testing details.
OBSERVATION OF SICK ANIMALS
Please contact the nearest Nebraska Game
and Parks Commission office if you witness
morbid/sick wildlife in your area or send
an email to the Wildlife Health Program at
marnee.roundtree@nebraska.gov.
