[Health problems in fallow deer for meat production]

Though fallow deer is considered very resistant to infectious diseases and parasites, diseases of different kind occur in enclosed pastures. Normally the diseases are the same as with wild animals or with farm ruminants. Diseases limited only to fallow deer are not known up to now. Parasitic diseases are a common problem, and prophylactic measures are necessary in all enclosed pastures to control parasites. Most losses in the enclosed pastures at the state farms of Grub and Romenthal caused by infections were due to necrobacillosis or to Coli bacteria. Because therapy is difficult or even impossible with wild animals, prophylactic measures are very important in enclosed pastures. Prophylaxis against Coli infections by improving the environment is possible only to a limited degree. Metabolic diseases and poisonings are mostly caused by wrong feeding.