Abomasal parasites as a health index for white-tailed deer in Mississippi [Odocoileus virginianus]

Biologists in southeastern states have supplemented white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus ) herd health evaluation methods with abomasal parasite counts (Eve and Kellogg 1977). Theoretically, the average abomasal parasite count (APC) provides an index to deer density relative to carrying capacity. Intensity of infection with abomasal parasites is assumed to demonstrate a positive correlation to deer density. The objective of this study was to evaluate abomasal parasite counts for use as a deer herd health index in Mississippi.