Deer Medicine

• What type of breeders are Red Deer?

  Seasonal breeders (short day)
• What are the four color variations of Fallow Deer?

  Common, menil, leukistic, melanistic
• What is a notable characteristic of Fallow Deer antlers?

  They have palmated antlers
• How do Roe Deer differ in social behavior compared to other deer?

  They are solitary or in small family units
• What is the gestation period for Roe Deer?

  11 months with delayed implantation
• How does Sika Deer compare to Red Deer?

  It has a smaller stature
• What is a notable feature of Muntjac Deer?

  They are all year round breeders
• What is a unique characteristic of Chinese Water Deer?

  They have fangs instead of antlers
• What is the primary legislation involving deer in the UK?

  Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966
• What is a notifiable disease in deer?

  Bovine tuberculosis (bTB)
• What is Chronic Wasting Disease?

  A fatal TSE found in North America
• Why is there an import ban on Cervidae from Scandinavia?

  Due to Chronic Wasting Disease concerns
• What is required for immobilisation and darting of deer?

  Must be under veterinary surgeon’s care
• What is the role of the APHA regarding bTB in deer?

  They conduct statutory surveillance
• How can deer establishments identify bTB?

  Through skin and blood testing
• What is the significance of the British Deer Society Deer Distribution Survey?

  It shows the distribution of deer species
• What is the impact of deer parks on deer populations?

  They can lead to narrow gene pools
• What is a common management practice in deer parks?

  Culling and deer counts
• What is the purpose of handling facilities in deer farms?

  To accommodate for danger and safety
• What is the significance of antler growth in deer?

  It is testosterone/androgen dependent
• What is the common condition related to stocking density in deer parks?

  Lungworm and cryptosporidium
• What is a common practice for orphaned deer rehabilitation?

  Using ewes’ or goats’ milk
• What is the significance of the antler cycle in Reindeer?

  It relates to their reproductive cycle

  
• What is the impact of illegal releases of Muntjac Deer?

  They increase their invasive range
• What are the four color variations of Fallow Deer?

  Common, menil, leukistic, melanistic
• What is unique about the breeding cycle of Roe Deer?

  11 month gestation with delayed implantation
• What is unique about the antlers of Chinese Water Deer?

  They have no antlers, only fangs
• What is the legal status of Muntjac deer in the UK?

  Legally invasive non-native species
• What is the legal status of releasing Chinese Water Deer in the UK?

  Illegal, no Natural England licenses issued
• What is the main purpose of deer farms in the UK?

  Venison production
• What is the current status of Chronic Wasting Disease in the UK?

  Not currently identified in the UK
• What is the seasonal pattern of antler growth in male and female reindeer?

  Antlers grow during spring and summer, are shed in winter

  
• If you needed to immobilize a wild deer in the UK, what key legal considerations would you need to be aware of?

  Non-vets cannot legally dart 'wild' deer without a license from Natural England, and the use of 'stupefying drugs' is heavily regulated
• What is the legal status of releasing Muntjac deer in the UK?

  Illegal, no Natural England licenses issued