Advances in health and welfare of farmed deer in New Zealand

Abstract

Extract

New Zealand has lead the world in pastoral farming of red, wapiti and fallow deer since this was first sanctioned in 1970. Among technological advances in deer production systems have been milestones in our understanding of deer health and welfare in an intensive pastoral farming environment, contributed by the combined efforts of veterinary practitioners, producers and researchers. These advances have impacted enormously on the health and wellbeing of New Zealand's farmed deer population, and contribute significantly to the success of deer production systems and the suslainabilily of the industry's international markets and reputation. These activities have brought local and international distinction upon the veterinary profession in New Zealand, by demonstrating innovation and initiative in establishing a new discipline of veterinary endeavor.

This paper briefly reviews the important milestones in veterinary knowledge of capture-stress management, deer mortalities, the key disease syndromes of tuberculosis, yersiniosis, malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), internal parasites, trace elements and miscellaneous conditions, and selected animal welfare issues.