Parasites and Diseases
Lumpy Jaw

A Field Guide
TO COMMON WILDLIFE DISEASES
AND PARASITES IN ALASKA

LUMPY JAW

What causes lumpy jaw?

• Lumpy jaw is caused by bacteria normally found in the mouths of healthy animals.
• The bacteria can enter through wounds in the mouth, which can be caused by coarse feed or when teeth break through the gums during development.

Where does lumpy jaw occur?

• Lumpy jaw can be found in ungulates such as sheep, caribou and moose throughout their range in Alaska.
• The disease does not spread between animals.

What are the signs of lumpy jaw?

• Infection of the jaw bone itself causes firm swellings that can be quite large.
• Swellings containing thick yellow pus (abscesses) can also be found around the mouth and jaw.
• Lumpy jaw may interfere with the animal’s ability to eat.
• Other than the swelling on the jaw, animals may appear healthy.

How can I protect myself?

• You cannot get lumpy jaw from infected animals.
• Be careful not to cut into pus-filled swellings. If this happens, pus can be spread and contaminate other parts of the carcass.

Can I eat the meat?

• Parts containing abscesses should not be eaten.
• The remainder of the carcass is suitable for human consumption.

Samples to collect

• Lower jaw 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.