Abstract Twenty-five of 40 red deer (Cervus elaphus) exhibited corneal opacities and ulceration resembling mild bovine infectious keratitis. Attempts to incriminate either a bacterial or viral causal agent were unsuccessful. Subconjunctival injections of a penicillin/streptomycin mixture were administered in both eyes of affected and in-contact animals. Resolution over an 8 week period was uneventful.