Parasites and Diseases
Abscesses
A Field Guide
TO COMMON WILDLIFE DISEASES
AND PARASITES IN ALASKA
ABSCESSES
What causes abscesses? |
- An abscess is a pocket of pus in an animal’s tissue. It is usually caused when a wound becomes infected.
Where do abscesses occur? |
- They may occur in any species of animal.
- In Alaska, abscesses occur periodically in a variety of species.
What are the signs of an abscess? |
- Animals usually appear healthy and may not show any signs of disease.
- Most abscesses are found while butchering.
- Abscesses can be found anywhere on or inside the body in muscle or other tissue.
- Usually, they are firm lumps of white fibrous tissue filled with thick white or green pus.
How can I protect myself? |
- Be careful not to cut into an abscess. If this happens, pus can be spread and contaminate other parts of the carcass.
Can I eat the meat? |
- Portions of meat containing abscesses should not be eaten.
- The rest of the carcass is suitable for human consumption.
Samples to collect |
- Abscess and surrounding tissue.
- To report an occurrence or to submit a sample for identification/analysis, contact the DWC Wildlife Disease Surveillance reporting hotline 907-328-8354, send an email to dfg.dwc.vet@alaska.gov or visit your local ADF&G office.