Wild Deer Disease Surveillance Welfare

Disease surveillance in wild deer populations is important for managing welfare-impacting conditions including chronic wasting disease, bovine TB, and skin parasites.

Key Facts

Six deer species are established in the UK, with a combined population estimated at 2 million
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has not reached the UK but is a major biosecurity concern from imports
Bovine TB has been found in UK deer and the implications for cattle control programmes are unclear
Skin parasites including mange and ticks cause chronic welfare harm in significant proportions of populations
Surveillance relies on carcass submissions, hunter observations, and wildlife disease networks

Welfare Considerations

Disease surveillance in wild deer populations protects both individual animal welfare and the biosecurity of farmed livestock systems; integrated monitoring is essential.

What You Can Do

Report sick or unusual deer behaviour to local wildlife disease networks
Support deer disease surveillance and research organisations
Practice good biosecurity if handling deer carcasses for food or sport