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Cutaneous Fibroma

WHAT IS CUTANEOUS FIBROMA?

Cutaneous fibroma, sometimes known as deer warts, are hairless tumors caused by the papillomavirus. This virus is species-specific and typically only infects white-tailed deer, but it may also be present in elk or other members of the deer family.

Report Sick or
Dead Deer or ELK

	CALL Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-858-1549 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern) on weekdays.
	CONTACT your area’s regional biologist.
	SUBMIT observations online via our reporting application.
	Found an injured animal? Contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator.

DISEASE INFORMATION

What are the signs of cutaneous fibroma?

The main signs are visible hairless lesions that are black or gray in color. These lesions are mostly smooth, but sometimes can be roughened or "warty" in appearance. They can appear anywhere on the skin of a deer, but are mostly found on the head and neck. They can be a single lesion or appear in clumps. In severe cases, lesions may cluster or enlarge to a size that interferes with the deer's sight, breathing, eating or walking.

How is cutaneous fibroma spread?

The disease is spread directly through deer-to-deer contact, especially in bucks during the rut. It can also be spread through contact with an environment contaminated with the virus, often infecting a deer through a break in the skin.

How is cutaneous fibroma diagnosed?

The disease is diagnosed by observation of lesions appearing on an infected deer.

How is cutaneous fibroma treated?

Deer are not treated for cutaneous fibroma, as most deer can live normally with the disease. Some infections can resolve on their own, but in severe cases where the animal's ability to eat and survive are compromised, humane euthanasia to prevent suffering is considered. Because most individuals are only mildly affected and severe cases are rare, this disease is not considered significant and does not have any population-level impacts.

Does cutaneous fibroma pose a risk to people or other animals?

Cutaneous fibromas seen on white-tailed deer and elk are caused by a species-specific papillomavirus that cannot infect people or other animals.

How is cutaneous fibroma prevented?

Cutaneous fibromas don't pose a significant threat to public health or deer populations. Management of prevention of the disease is not recommended.

INFORMATION FOR HUNTERS

Hunters that harvest a deer with cutaneous fibroma should treat the carcass and meat as they would any uninfected deer. If a fibroma is abscessed/ulcerated from rubbing, hunters should not consume that portion. As a precaution when cooking all harvested game, hunters should cook meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees fahrenheit or higher to kill any present viruses, bacteria or parasites. Hunters are encouraged to take routine safety precautions to protect themselves and their hunting dogs, including not consuming an obviously sick or dead deer. Hunters should not allow their dogs to scavenge on carcasses or consume raw or undercooked meat.