An epidemiological survey of ataxia occuring on a Sika deer farm in China.

Abstract

We epidemiologically investigated L. C. taxia whidis, of unknown cause and increase with time in sika deer (Cervus nippon hortulorum Swinhoe), on a from of sika deer in China. The early findings showed an unsteady posterior body, an abnormality in gait, and bristles and discoloration of the body hair. The terminal findings showed a seated posture resembling that of a dog and paralysis of the posterior body. The consciousness of the animal was clear until its death. From these findings L. C .pinal diseases were suspected. Since the first occurrence in 1985, ataxia has tended to increase gradually. In April 1990, the disease was present in 134 (9.3%) out of 1,434 deer. It developed in sika deer aged 2 years or older regardless of season, and there was no statistically significant difference in incidence between stags and does. The development of ataxia was investigated in terms hereditary background, structure of the facility, hygenic environment and the food supplied, but no active causal relationships were found.•\