Deer are susceptible to a variety of diseases and parasites.
Nevertheless, disease does not typically account for a large
percentage of deer deaths. During a deer study in northern
Missouri, radio transmitters were placed on more than 200 deer.
Less than 4 percent died from disease. This section covers only
a few of the more common parasites and unusual conditions that
people, especially hunters, might observe in deer. Few
situations actually render deer unsuitable for the table. Only
rare exceptions, including infections from injuries, occur.
However, if you have questions about the deer you harvested,
contact your local conservation agent or the nearest
Conservation Department office. Don’t Mistake Lymph Nodes for
Abnormalities Normal organs and structures occasionally are
misinterpreted as abnormal. Lymph nodes, which are found
throughout the body, are sometimes taken to be multiple tumors
or abscesses. The nodes, which are part of the body's system
used to fight off disease, are located under the skin, be