Abstract
Since deer were introduced into Australia in the mid-1800s, their wild populations have increased in size and distribution, posing a potential risk to the livestock industry, through their role in pathogen transmission cycles. In comparison to livestock, there are limited data on viral infections in all wildlife, including deer. The aim of this study was to assess blood samples from wild Australian deer for serological evidence of exposure to relevant viral livestock diseases. Blood samples collected across eastern Australia were tested by ELISA to detect antigens and antibodies against Pestivirus and antibodies against bovine herpesvirus 1. A subset of samples was also assessed by RT-PCR for Pestivirus, Simbu serogroup, epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus and bovine ephemeral fever virus. Our findings demonstrated a very low seroprevalence (3%) for ruminant Pestivirus, and none of the other viruses tested were detected. These results suggest that wild deer may currently be an incidental spill-over host (rather than a reservoir host) for Pestivirus. However, deer could be a future source of viral infections for domestic animals in Australia. Further investigations are needed to monitor pathogen activity and quantify possible future infectious disease impacts of wild deer on the Australian livestock industry.
Highlights
Deer often attain high densities when introduced to new areas [1]
The present study is based on the assessment of large sample sizes from four deer species collected throughout eastern Australia
Our findings reveal the presence of antibodies in Australian wild deer species, against ruminant
Summary
As cervids are ungulates and closely related to economically important livestock species including cattle, sheep and goats, it is unsurprising that they share many pathogens, including several of major agricultural relevance. In Australia, wild populations of six non-native deer species became established in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These populations have expanded in abundance and distribution [1,2]. Wild deer in Australia commonly share grazing areas with livestock, and their susceptibility to a wide range of viral infections of importance to the livestock industry has been demonstrated [2]. Wild deer represent a significant potential source of pathogen transmission to livestock [1]
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