Enzootic ataxia in red deer

Authors: Wilson PR, Key EL, Orr MB
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 27, Issue 11, pp 252-254, Nov 1979
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Deer, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Locomotor, Disease/defect, Copper, Trace elements, Nervous system/neurology, Poisoning - chemical
Article class: Clinical Communication

---

Abstract: The occurrence of enzootic atazia in farmed Red deer is reported. This syndrome occurred in a young adult aud a mature deer, and was characterised by atazia, swaying movements of the hindquarters, often the adoption of a dog-sitting posture and, eventually, inability to use the hind limbs. Spinal cord demyelination and mid-brain neuronal degeneration were the main histopathological lesions. Copper levels of feedstuffs on the property were normal but blood copper levels of unaffected animals in the herd were low. The aetiology of enzootic atazia in deer is possibly multifactorial, although copper deficiency is a common finding in affected herds, and copper supplementation appears to prevent its occurrence.

---