The cervid livestock industry is rapidly expanding in rural America, with over 250 farms in Missouri alone focusing on deer farming. To enhance herd health and bolster the state’s economy, researchers at the University of Missouri are exploring the best ways to manage white-tailed deer on these properties.
In this effort, the Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (VMDL) at the Mizzou College of Veterinary Medicine plays a crucial role.
A recent research study conducted by Mizzou scientists, published in the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, revealed that infections pose significant challenges for white-tailed deer on Missouri farms. These findings can aid farmers and veterinarians in making informed decisions regarding antibiotic use and disease management techniques.
“When deer are kept in controlled environments, they tend to transmit pathogens more readily compared to their wild counterparts,” explained Amanda Smith, a clinical assistant professor at Mizzou’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the study’s lead researcher. “If deer farmers observe unexplained deaths within their herd, the team at VMDL can assist in diagnosing the issue through necropsies and sophisticated tests for bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.”
By identifying the three predominant bacteria responsible for pneumonia in farmed white-tailed deer during the study, the information can guide veterinarians and farmers in selecting the most effective antibiotics for the surviving deer in the herd. This knowledge can also promote more responsible antibiotic usage.
“My main objective is to provide useful data to both farmers and veterinarians, enabling them to take proactive measures against specific pathogens likely to be present in their herds,” stated Smith.
The VMDL stands as Missouri’s sole laboratory accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, functioning as a Level 1 Lab under the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. In the past year alone, the VMDL conducted over 207,000 tests, servicing veterinarians, livestock owners, and researchers from 110 counties across Missouri and 28 other states. These initiatives have positively impacted animal health and the state’s agricultural economy.
“We are not just the diagnostic lab for Mizzou; we serve as the diagnostic facility for the entire state — and we take pride in offering services to stakeholders throughout Missouri,” Smith emphasized. “The VMDL exemplifies Mizzou’s commitment to supporting farmers and their livestock in rural communities.”
Additionally, VMDL tackles various health issues, including testing for chronic wasting disease in deer, African swine fever in pigs, avian influenza in poultry, and rabies in pets. In 2022, Mizzou initiated a $30 million project focused on expanding and renovating the VMDL to accommodate the increasing demand for its services across the state.
