Growths on deer spotted in North Huntingdon are likely papillomavirus, Game Commission says

Jacquie Kreiger took all the right steps when her son encountered a deer infected by a papillomavirus, state Game Commission officials said.

Kreiger became concerned for the animal spotted in her North Huntingdon neighborhood cul-de-sac, when her son sent her a photo of the deer covered in fibromas.

“He said it looked like it was limping a little bit, and when he tried calling out to it, it looked like it was having a hard time seeing,” Kreiger said.

She called the Pennsylvania Game Commission to notify them about the deer, and she posted the photo on Facebook to spread awareness.

“From what I was reading in the comments, there seems to be a lot of people who have encountered the poor baby,” Kreiger said.

According to the Game Commission’s wildlife health page, deer fibromas are growths on the skin caused by viruses. They can be caused by poxviruses but are more commonly the result of papillomavirus infections.

Fibromas are not harmful to deer and do not cause the animal any pain. The growths are not contagious between deer or to humans. Fibromas can become dangerous if they grow too close to a deer’s eyes or mouth. If the animal can’t see and becomes too disoriented, it could unknowingly wander onto a road.

“Ordinarily, with a wild animal, you’re best with a hands-off approach,” said Travis Lau, communications director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. “The best thing someone can do is call the game commission and report the animal.”

Spotting the growths on animals is not uncommon. Lau said the commission receives reports throughout the state every year regarding fibromas.

To report an animal to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, call 833-742-4868.