Parapoxvirus infections in New Zealand farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Authors: Horner GW, Cox BT, Robinson AJ, Smith R, Hunter R
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 35, Issue 4, pp 41-45, Apr 1987
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Deer, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather, Viral, Disease/defect, Infectious disease, Zoonosis, Public health
Article class: Clinical Communication

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Abstract: Outbreaks of infection due to a parapoxvirus were reported on eight New Zealand deer farms. Scabby lesions were seen variably on the muzzle, lips, face, ears and neck of red deer (Cervus elaphus) with morbidity rates reaching 100%. On three farms multifocal lesions were also present on the velvet. Deaths were reported on two properties where the lesions were extensive and secondary bacterial infections had occurred. On one of these farms multifactorial disease was suspected. Poxvirus particles were seen by negative contrast electron microscopy in scab material from all eight properties. Morphologically the deer virus resembled a parapoxvirus, but restriction endonuclease analysis showed its DNA fragment patterns were distinct from those of orf (contagious ecthyma) virus.

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