Diseases and parasites are a natural part of any ecosystem, and all wild animals carry them. In most cases wildlife diseases and parasites are only a health threat to other animals of the same kind; in some cases, however, diseases and parasites can spread to humans.

Wildlife diseases and parasites may impact wildlife populations and management efforts. The Agrifoods Branch of the Department of Natural Resources has researched a number of animal diseases that affect wildlife in Newfoundland and Labrador.