Overview

• State wildlife departments confirm the bumps are cutaneous fibromas caused by a deer-specific papillomavirus.
• Reports cluster in New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, though the condition is found across the United States.
• Officials say the virus does not spread to humans, pets or livestock.
• Most growths regress over months as deer develop immunity, with rare problems only when large masses hinder sight, feeding or movement.
• Agencies advise avoiding contact or feeding, reporting sightings for monitoring, and leaving affected animals in the wild.