Intraspecific contact among white-tailed deer: A literature review and chronic wasting disease case study
February 12, 2026
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are a valuable game mammal in the eastern United States necessitating detailed understanding of disease transmission. We conducted a literature review on intraspecific contact (i.e., interactions wherein disease transmission may occur) among deer. From 69 studies, we identified five themes underlying research on intraspecific deer contact: physical touch, social groups, spatial overlap, association rates, and social networks. Visual observations determined physical touch to be infrequent (
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Title | Intraspecific contact among white-tailed deer: A literature review and chronic wasting disease case study |
| DOI | 10.1002/ece3.73040 |
| Authors | Nathaniel H. Wehr, Kristin J. Bondo, Christopher S. Rosenberry, David Stainbrook, Bret D. Wallingford, W. David Walter |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Ecology and Evolution |
| Index ID | 70274650 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Coop Res Unit Leetown |