An outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever in Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus)

Abstract

Thirteen (54%) of 24 Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus) imported from England died of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) within a year of arrival at Invermay Agricultural Centre. The duration of clinical illness was from one to approximately 33 days, and the most common clinical signs were depression, a hunched stance and diarrhoea. On post-mortem examination, most deer showed recent localised haemorrhages, often into the large intestine. In all deer there was histological vasculitis especially in the brain.