Overabundant suburban deer are more likely than those in urban areas to test positive for the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, a finding that could have human health implications for those eating deer meat.
Toxoplasma gondii, known as the “mind control” parasite, moves quietly between species, influencing their risk-taking behavior. Carried by cats and other felines but picked up by secondary hosts like white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), the parasite can potentially spread to new areas and hosts.
Cities push wildlife and domestic cats into closer contact, potentially spreading the parasite and increasing infection rates. Deer are also overabundant in New York. As a result, Onondaga County has a program that culls deer and donates the meat to people who are food-insecure…