Deer Farming

Juan M. Campos Krauer

This publication discusses causes, clinical signs, and ways to reduce risk of capture myopathy in farmed white-tailed deer. Written by Juan M. Campos Krauer, and published by the Veterinary Medicine—Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension, January 2024.

Marcelo Wallau, Maria E. Mailhos, Ann Blount, Juan M. Campos Krauer, Marcus Lashley, Esteban Rios, José Dubeux, Md Babar, andCheryl Mackowiak

The list of cool-season forage recommendations for wildlife in this publication includes varieties that have been tested and are known to perform well in Florida. Written by M. Wallau, M. E. Mailhos, A. R. Blount, J. M. Campos-Krauer, M. A. Lashley, E. Rios, J. C. B. Dubeux, Md. A. Babar, C. L. Mackowiak and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised September 2023.

Juan M. Campos Krauer and Samantha M. Wisely

Pox viruses are widespread and infect many hosts, including insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Some, like chicken pox, are highly adapted to humans, and others, like monkeypox, can be transmitted from species to species. All are highly contagious and usually cause lesions or rashes. Poxvirus infections occur in domestic hoofstock, including cattle, sheep, goats, camels, horses, and swine, and they have been reported in wild ungulates, including mountain sheep, mountain goats, reindeer, mule deer, musk-ox, caribou, moose, and white-tailed deer. In 1983, Mule deerpox virus, a genetically distinct pox virus was found in free-ranging mule deer in Wyoming. Since the 1990s, several cases of mule deerpox virus have been reported from black-tailed deer from California and Oregon and a white-tailed deer from Mississippi, suggesting that this virus may be a potential emerging pathogen for white-tailed deer. It is unclear whether the virus is more prevalent or whether detection has increased.

Lillian G. Maxwell andJuan M. Campos Krauer

For captive and farmed cervids across the U.S., artificial insemination (AI) is among the most common reproductive practices. This technique enables greater genetic exchange and diversity without the need to transport animals between farms or states. Currently, there are no standard protocols for AI in cervids, and most research relies on advances from other small ruminants, such as sheep and goats. This publication provides best practices for artificial insemination (AI) in captive white-tailed deer and aims to inform managers and farmers on what to consider when choosing a reproductive strategy. Written by Lillian G. Maxwell and Juan M. Campos Krauer, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, July 2026.

Juan M. Campos Krauer, Lillian G. Maxwell, andSamantha M. Wisely

Skin abscesses are localized purulent infections frequently observed in various livestock species, including white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), often resulting in compromised animal welfare and reduced productivity. This publication reviews the etiology, classification, clinical presentation, and treatment modalities of cutaneous abscess in livestock, emphasizing prevention and management strategies. The role of specific pathogens, including Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, Trueperella pyogenes, and Fusobacterium necrophorum, is discussed alongside practical approaches for diagnosis, antimicrobial therapy, and environmental control.