Abscesses

---

What causes abscesses?

An abscess is a pocket of pus in an animal’s tissue. They are usually caused when a wound becomes infected.

Pockets of puss (abscesses) in a piece of caribou flesh.  Photo credit: H. Schwantje, BC Environment, Lands & Parks.

Where do abscesses occur?

They may occur in any species of animal.

In the NWT and Nunavut, abscess occur periodically in different species.

What are the signs of abscesses?

Animals usually appear healthy and may not show any signs of disease.

Most abscesses are found while butchering.

Abscesses can be found anywhere on the body in muscle or other tissue.

Usually, they are firm lumps of white fibrous tissue filled with thick white or green pus.

How can I protect myself?

You cannot get abscesses from infected animals.

Be careful not to cut into an abscess. If this happens, pus can be spread and contaminate other parts of the carcass.

Can I eat the meat?

Portions of meat containing abscesses should not be eaten.

The rest of the carcass can be used for human consumption.

Samples to collect

Abscess and surrounding tissue