Researchers at the University of Missouri are working to improve the health of white-tailed deer on farms in Missouri, a state with over 250 deer farms. The Mizzou College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (VMDL) plays a key role in this effort.
A recent study led by Amanda Smith, a clinical assistant professor at Mizzou’s College of Veterinary Medicine, highlights infections as a major issue for farmed white-tailed deer. This research provides valuable insights for farmers and veterinarians regarding antibiotic use and disease management.
“When deer are kept in captivity, they often spread pathogens at a higher rate than when they are in the wild,” said Smith. She added that VMDL can assist farmers through necropsies and advanced diagnostics to identify bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases affecting their herds.
The study identified the three most common bacteria causing pneumonia in farmed deer, which helps veterinarians select effective antibiotics and ensure judicious use. “My ultimate goal is to give actionable data to both producers and vets so they can make proactive choices on targeting certain pathogens they can expect to find in their herds,” Smith stated.
VMDL is the only lab in Missouri accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians and serves as a Level 1 Lab of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. Last year alone, it conducted over 207,000 tests supporting animal health across Missouri and other states.
“We are not just Mizzou’s diagnostic lab, we are also the state’s diagnostic lab — and we’re proud to provide services to stakeholders all over the state of Missouri,” Smith explained. VMDL’s work includes testing for chronic wasting disease in deer among other animal health concerns.
In response to increasing demand for its services, Mizzou initiated a $30 million expansion of VMDL facilities last year.
“Causes of mortality in farmed white-tailed deer in the midwestern United States, 2004-2023” was recently published.
