Veterinary surveillance: Deer
This
page gives an introduction to deer farming and wild deer in the UK and
how we look out for diseases of deer. It has links to other pages on the
Defra website. You can find further information on other websites by following
the link at the bottom of this page.
Deer in the UK
Deer in the UK are managed in a number of different ways. Deer can be found in the wild, where they are not owned but are managed on the land on which they roam. Deer are kept for ornamental purposes and for venison production in deer parks receiving supplementary hay, roots, and cereals in winter but otherwise minimally managed. Park deer populations have to be controlled and the venison produced enters the domestic market or may be exported. Deer can also be found in most zoos.
Red deer and occasionally fallow, are also farmed following conventional agricultural practices including sometimes being housed in the winter and receiving forage and concentrated food. Injuries and health problems receive prompt veterinary attention. Calves are usually weaned, antlers, certainly of the adults, are usually removed on safety grounds. Farmed deer are considered livestock and as such all general legislation to protect their health and welfare must be complied with.
How many deer are there in the UK?
There are six different species of wild deer. The roe deer is a secretive native species and estimates suggest a British population of 500,000-600,000. The red deer is Britain's largest native land mammal The Scottish herd is estimated to be in the region of 300,000. No statistics are available for England and Wales. The fallow deer is thought to have been introduced during the Norman conquest and but has become wild through accidental and deliberate release of park deer. Fallow deer numbers appear to be increasing currently the population size is estimated to be about 100,000. Sika deer and Muntjac deer have been introduced in the last two hundred years and their populations are increasing. The Chinese water deer is also an introduced species with limited distribution in the UK. It is an endangered species in its native range and the UK population could be important to conserving the species.
The British Deer Society’s ‘Great British Deer Survey 2005/2006’ has been designed to provide important information about our wild deer populations. In order to promote their welfare and humane treatment it is important to know where each species occurs and in what numbers. Further information can be found on the British Deer Society Website.
According to the 2003 agricultural census there were about 300 farms with deer in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland farming approximately 30,000 deer. In England about 77% of these are Red and 23% Fallow, in Scotland virtually all are Red.
Looking for disease in deer
Many people are involved in looking for disease in deer.
Scanning surveillance for diseases in wild deer is undertaken through the Veterinary Laboratory Agencies diseases of wildlife scheme. Farmed, park and zoo deer are examined by VLA Exotic Species surveillance scheme or by the Scottish Agricultural College or Veterinary Services Division (Northern Ireland).
Some testing is carried out by veterinary officers of the State Veterinary Service (SVS). Meat inspectors of the Meat Hygiene Service look for signs of disease during the post mortem inspection of animals slaughtered for meat.
All wild deer destined for the human food chain through game dealers are inspected by trained hunters and by vets.
Which are the most important diseases of deer
Deer are susceptible to many of the same diseases as cattle so Tuberculosis and Johnes disease are important.
Further Information
Other Websites
The Deer Initiative Partnership is made up of representatives from partner organisations and has responsibility for determining policy and setting priorities for the management of deer in the UK. The Deer Initiative is a registered charity with a Board of Trustees drawn from the full partners. Defra is one of the partners alongside the Forestry Commission, Natural England, Veterinary Deer Society and RSPCA.
The British Deer Society (BDS) was founded in 1963 and is the only national body representing the welfare interests of wild deer throughout the UK
The British Deer Farmers' Association website.
Consultation
Defra currently has a public consultation concerning wild deer management in England and Wales which you can contribute to.
Page last modified: 16 January, 2007