State's 1st Case Of Exotic Chewing Lice Confirmed In Deer
DENVER (AP) — Wildlife officials have confirmed Colorado's first case of exotic chewing lice in a mule deer east of Denver.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife says the deer, which has been euthanized, was found struggling to survive by a Watkins-area rancher Feb. 13. The National Veterinary Services Laboratory has since confirmed the deer was carrying an exotic species of lice called Bovicola tibialis.
Dr. Karen Fox, a wildlife pathologist for Parks and Wildlife, says ranchers and landowners should not be concerned because the lice are not attracted to humans or domestic animals. Only deer are affected.
The agency is examining deer in Colorado to determine the extent of the problem and possible effects on the animals.
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