brainworm

American  

[breyn-wurm] / ˈbreɪnˌwɜrm /

noun

1. a microscopic, parasitic roundworm that infests the brain of large hoofed animals, as deer.

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Etymology

Origin of brainworm

1800–10

Example Sentences

Isle Royale has no deer, so its moose aren’t exposed to brainworm, a deadly parasite that deer carry.

From Washington Post

Randy Kelley, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources’ elk project leader, told the Charleston Gazette-Mail that during grazing, the elk accidentally consumed snails that had eaten brainworm eggs.

From Washington Times

That’s partly because of the impact of parasites, both winter tick and brainworm, on the moose population, although the Fish and Game Department says moose are not currently a threatened or endangered species in the state.

From Seattle Times

The Pioneer Press reports that up to 30 percent of moose are killed by the brainworm parasite, which is transmitted through snails and slugs.

From Seattle Times

Permits have declined, partly because of the impact of parasites, both ticks and brainworm, on moose.

From Washington Times