Disease and Parasite Information

Wildlife can harbor a variety of diseases that can affect people, some of which have the potential to be fatal to humans.  Although the prevalence of different diseases varies widely within Virginia, being aware of the diseases that are present, their symptoms and species they are associated with can help  you understand some of the risks posed by wildlife and help inform your decision about what wildlife control options you want to undertake. 

The prevalence of wildlife diseases within Virginia is constantly in flux, and can increase or decrease in response to the density of wildlife populations and ecological factors, including food availability, water source/type, and soil characteristics.  Information regarding current disease outbreaks is not readily available, but resources such as the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ newsletter can provide information regarding the presence of diseases or regulatory changes that primarily affect agriculture.

There are different diseases that can be transmitted by birds, mammals and reptiles to humans, livestock and wildlife. A complete review of all of these diseases is not possible on this site, however, we review some diseases that are likely to be encountered in Virginia and will periodically update information on diseases that are especially relevant for residents of the Commonwealth. Ticks represent important disease-vectors and recently several tick-borne illnesses that can affect humans and other animals have become more common in Virginia.

Transmission of most wildlife diseases can be minimized by using good hygiene of both yourself and your property. When encountering wildlife, their remains or waste, care should be taken to avoid direct contact whenever possible, and personal protective equipment should be worn, including gloves, eye protection and respirator/face mask. Most wildlife diseases can be transmitted via the direct contact with their fluids or feces. However, some potentially fatal diseases (e.g., hanta virus, bubonic plague) are caused by the inhalation of aerosolized fluids or feces, while parasites (e.g., round worms) may burrow through skin.

There are general practices that can help to reduce the potential for transmission of disease from wildlife to humans:

  • Learn about the diseases that are found in your area and the risks that are associated with each.
  • Never attempt to capture or handle an adult mammal.
  • Wear protective equipment when directly working with animals or their feces.
  • Keep areas clean of food and waste.
  • Do not eat near wildlife or have food where it can be contaminated by wildlife.
  • Always was hands after handling wildlife or their waste.

Maintaining good hygiene of a property or site can reduce the risk of disease transmission between wildlife, people and domestic animals. When wildlife become overabundant in an area, the risk of transmission from direct or indirect contact rises considerably. To help reduce this risk, it is important to keep wildlife populations low or dispersed.

Bird feeders can concentrate wildlife and be hubs for disease transmission

Good hygiene also extends to wildlife that may not be considered a nuisance. Feeding of wildlife creates a situation where large numbers of wildlife congregate at a location and so these locations can play an important role in the transmission of disease. As an example, a study found that 20% of British greenfinches were killed by Trichomoniasis spread by birdfeeders and birdbaths. The decision to feed or water wildlife thus should be undertaken with consideration of disease. Periodically cleaning feeders and draining and cleaning bird baths and water sources (with a solution of 10% bleach solution) can help to reduce transmission. Although factors such as the amount of bird use can affect how often this should be done, as a general rule should be done at least twice a month. Keeping the area clean, avoiding contamination of food by rodents, and providing enough feeders to disperse birds can reduce the potential spread of disease.

Impacts such as these are possible even outside of feeding situations, such as in parks or when animals are attracted to a food source and/or habitat. There are many different diseases that can be transmitted from wildlife and that can affect humans, pets or livestock. In particular, some of the most common diseases and the species that they are associated with include:

  • Bird (Avian) Diseases
    • Bird Flu (avian influenza): A viral infection spread among birds, a particularly deadly strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is H5N1. This strain is often spread among poultry, and is deadly to most birds. Although bird flu can be transmitted to humans there is not a strain that is currently of concern to Virginians.
    • Avian Salmonella: All bird species are capable of transmitting Salmonella. It is recommended that you wash your hands thoroughly after contact with any bird, including contact with eggs.
    • Chlamydiosis or Psittacosis: Pneumonia-type infection transmitted by inhalation of dried secretions from infected birds.
    • Histoplasmosis: Flu-like symptoms obtained from the inhalation of mold spores growing on fecal deposits.
  • Mammalian Diseases
    • Baylisascaris: An intestinal roundworm found in raccoons and capable of being transmitted to humans.
    • Dermatophilosis: A skin disease caused by a bacterium that can affect many species of domestic and wild animals, and occasionally humans.
    • Echinococcosis (cystic and alveolar): A tapeworm infection most often found in foxes, coyotes, dogs, and cats after they eat infected organs. Can cause cysts or infect organs, when untreated can be fatal.
    • Giardiasis: A diarrheal disease caused by the microscopic parasite Giardia lamblia. Generally is transmitted after consuming water or food that has been contaminated by infected feces. Animals and humans can be infected and symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue and cramps.
    • Rabies: A deadly virus which can be spread to people or animals from the saliva of infected animals. The virus is usually transmitted through a bite. In Virginia, bats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons and skunks are most likely to transmit rabies.
    • Histoplasmosis: A lung infection caused by inhaling fungal spores (Histoplasma capsulatum) that are found in soil and in the droppings of bats and birds.
    • Leptospirosis: A bacterial disease (caused by the genus Leptospira) that affects humans and animals. Humans can get leptospirosis through direct contact with urine from infected animals or through contaminated water, soil, or food. The disease can cause a wide range of symptoms including: fever, headache, bleeding, muscle pain, chills, red eyes, and vomiting; without treatment (using antibiotics), it can lead to kidney and liver damage and even death.
  • Reptilian Diseases
    • Salmonellosis: A common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. Humans become infected most frequently through contaminated water or food, or contact with animals such as snakes.

Additional Information Sources

General Wildlife Disease Information

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Avian Salmonella
All bird species are capable of transmitting Salmonella. It is recommended that you wash your hands thoroughly after contact with any bird, including contact with eggs.

Chlamydiosis or Psittacosis
Pneumonia-type infection transmitted by inhalation of dried secretions from infected birds

Histoplasmosis
Flue-like symptoms obtained from the inhalation of mold spores growing on fecal deposits.

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Mammalian Diseases

Alveolar Echinococcsis
A parasite found in foxes, coyotes, dogs, and cats that causes parasitic tumors.

Baylisascaris
An intestinal roundworm found in raccoons and capable of being transmitted to humans.

Dermatophilosis

Echinococcosis

Giardiasis

Rabies

Histoplasmosis

Leptospirosis

Toxoplasmosis

Tularemia

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Reptilian Diseases

Salmonellosis