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What diseases and parasites can affect gray wolves?
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wolf
Gray wolf (Canis lupus).
Gray wolves (Canis lupus) are susceptible to a variety of illnesses and parasitic infections that can impact their health and longevity in the wild. These conditions include:
- Viral and Bacterial Diseases: Wolves can be affected by canine parvovirus, distemper, rabies, and Lyme disease.12
- Fungal Infections: Blastomycosis is a fungal disease known to affect wolf populations.12
- Parasites and Infestations: Wolves may suffer from heartworm, mange, and lice infestations.12
While these diseases and parasites pose significant health risks, they are among several factors that limit the lifespan of wolves, which can reach up to 13 years in the wild but often die much younger due to human activity, starvation, or conflict with other wolves.12