Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

Brainworm or Moose Sickness

Brainworm, or meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis), is a parasitic roundworm that affects cervids in North America. This species is a slender roundworm commonly found in the brain cavity. White-tailed deer are the normal host for the brainworm, but moose, elk, caribou and mule deer are also susceptible. Brainworm does not affect white-tailed deer. However, in mule deer, moose, elk and caribou, the worm can affect the nervous system of the animal causing weakness, fearlessness, lack of co-ordination of movement, circling, deafness, impaired vision, paralysis and subsequent death of the animal.

Brainworm has a wide distribution in eastern and central North America. Declines in the moose populations of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Maine and Minnesota may be associated with this disease.

The worm is of no public health significance because it does not infect humans, and meat of infected animals is safe for human consumption.

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