Alpha and gamma herpesvirus detection in two herds of farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) in New Zealand.

Case History: In September 2004 two hinds on Farm 1 were observed with epiphora and keratoconjunctivitis, and corneal scarring. A low pregnancy rate in some hinds had been recorded that year. In the same year six yearling deer were observed on Farm 2 with keratitis, uveitis and corneal scarring.

Regional seroprevalence of leptospirosis on deer farms in New Zealand.

Aim: To undertake a seroprevalence survey to estimate the distribution of infection by Leptospira spp. serovars Hardjobovis, Pomona and Copenhageni in farmed deer herds regionally throughout New Zealand.

Methods: Between March 2003 and February 2005, 111 red and red x wapiti deer herds not using a leptospiral vaccine were selected from nine regions from Northland to Southland.

Leptospirosis in farmed deer in New Zealand : a review.

Current knowledge of leptospirosis in farmed deer in New Zealand is reviewed. Over the past 25 years, leptospirosis has been reported to occur in individual cases as well as in herd outbreaks in farmed deer and in human cases linked to farmed deer. Serological studies and evidence from bacterial culture suggest infection is widespread.