Cervid herpesvirus-1 and a Rhadinovirus type-2 of elk in two farmed red deer herds

Abstract

This paper reports the first identification of Cervid herpesvirus-1 (CvHV-1) from eyes of deer with and without keratitis lesions on one farm, but not from the eyes showing similar lesions on a second farm. However, CvHV-1 was identified from the vagina of a hind showing vaginal lesions after dexamethasone treatment aimed at amplifying virus on the second farm which had also experienced an infertility problem. Concurrent identification of Rhadinovirus Type-2 of elk from the eyes of deer on both of these farms is reported here for the first time. An investigation of possible viral aetiology of infertility was subsequently initiated on the second farm above. Nineteen hinds not conceiving were slaughtered. No lesions were observed and no virus was isolated from the genitalia. Six other hinds from the mob were treated with dexamethasone and killed seven days later. No genitalia lesions or virus were observed. Semen from four suspect stags was cultured for virus, but were negative. It appears unlikely that the infertility was associated with CvHV-1 or Rhadinovirus.