Exotic pediculosis and hair-loss syndrome in deer (<i>Odocoileus hemionus</i>) populations in California

The study examined exotic louse infestations and hair-loss syndrome in California mule deer populations, analyzing 529 deer between 2009 and 2014. It found that 45% of the deer were infested with exotic lice, and 9% exhibited hair loss. Younger deer and those with low selenium levels were more susceptible to infestation, suggesting that nutritional deficiencies might impair immune responses. The research noted regional variations in louse species and selenium concentrations, with no lice detected in southern desert areas. The spread of exotic lice from Washington to California was observed, though the impact on deer populations remained unclear.