The deer industry: a veterinary perspective

Abstract

Extract

In 1978 a leading article in this Journal stated … “The veterinary profession is being offered a unique opportunity to extend its activities to encompass a new concept in animal production: the farming of deer ” (1) The same article concluded … “Many veterinarians have enthusiastically accepted the challenge offered by the deer farming industry, but others must be prepared to further their knowledge of deer to meet future requirements. … Veterinarians must not abdicate their responsibilities in dealing with veterinary problems on deer farms, otherwise the profession will lose the opportunity to play a major supportive role in establishing a sound basis for our most recent and most promising livestock industry.” Five years on it is appropriate, particularly in this “deer issue” of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal, to review progress within the deer industry, to examine how the veterinary profession has accepted the challenge offered, and to cast an eye to the future and the continuing contribution that veterinarians can offer the industry.