Publications - CHeRI - Cervidae Health Research Initiative - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

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2025 Newsletters

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Publications (2025- )

2025

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Characterizing the resistome of Escherichia coli isolated from farmed WTD (pdf) - Heavy use of antibiotics on deer farms could contribute to antimicrobial resistance- a critical public health issue. Here we explore the resistome of Florida white-tailed deer using E. coli and a variety of commonly used antibiotics. "Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that 30% of E. coli isolates were resistant to at least one drug under aerobic conditions, while 68% were resistant under anaerobic conditions. Moreover, 15% of isolates displayed multi-drug resistance in both conditions."

Effectiveness of a permethrin methods against Culicoides spp. and mosquitoes (pdf) - CHeRI scientists at the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory conducted trials on the effectiveness of InsectGuard (0.5% permethrin) for Culicoides spp. and mosquito control in barrier treatment and pour-on applications. The findings demonstrate that permethrin-treated barriers and pour-on applications can reduce the landing and potential infectious bites of these pests.

Laboratory/semifield data show Florida Culicoides spp.susceptible to permethrin (pdf) - CHeRI scientists at the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory conducted trials on the effectiveness of permethrin for Culicoides control. Six different species were tested and it was concluded that permethrin is effective in controlling Culicoides and significant resistance to permethrin has not developed in the Culicoides populations tested, of which included 3 known to transmit HD virus.

Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus-1 Associated with Stillborn and Mummified WTD (pdf) - CHeRI reports the first confirmed case of naturally occurring BVDV-1 infection associated with fetal mummification in farmed WTD in Florida.

Genome characterization of two bluetongue virus serotype 5 strains from FL WTD (pdf) - CHeRI researchers cultured and sequenced BTV serotype 5 (BTV-5) from two fawns from separate farms, the first reported in Florida since 2003.

Toward sustainable and effective management of hemorrhagic disease vectors (pdf) - CHeRI researchers at FMEL conducted a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey among Florida trophy-deer farmers using an online questionnaire to gather data related to pest and vector control. The findings hghlight a need for educational programs to enhance deer farmers’ understanding of safe and sustainable pest and vector management practices.

Fascioloides magna infection in a captive impala (Aepyceros melampus) in Florida (pdf) - CHeRI presents the expansion of the known host range of the American liver fluke, Fascioloides magna, with the infection of a farmed impala (Aepyceros melampus) in Marion County, Florida. The impala is likely a dead-end host, but this imformation is important for exotic bovid managers and veterinary professionals as a reference.

Incriminating vectors of deer malaria (Plasmodium odocoilei) (pdf) - Plasmodium odocoilei, the only nonhuman Plasmodium parasite of native mammals in North America, infects white-tailed deer (WTD) throughout the eastern USA, yet not much is known about the vectors in Florida. Mosquitoes were collected from a Gadsden deer farm and tested for P. odocoilei- Anopheles quadrimaculatus s.l., An. punctipennis, and An. crucians s.l. met three of the criteria for vector incrimination.

Pathology and Epidemiological Features of Mule Deerpox Virus Infections in WTD (pdf) - In this study, CHeRI investigateD the spatial and temporal distribution of DPV in farmed white-tailed deer (WTD; Odocoileus virginianus) in Florida from 2017 to 2023, focusing on 145 with DPV-like lesions. 33.85% (49/145) tested positive for DPV, with all infection cases occuring in the summer and fall.

A Novel Ephemero- and a New CHeRI Orbivirus Isolated from a Dead WTD (pdf) - Spleen homogenate samples from a single farmed WTD that died from an unknown viral infection were inoculated in mosquito cell line C6/36 and subsequently sequenced. A novel ephemeral fever rhabdovirus and a CHeRI orbivirus- designated Hardee County ephemerovirus 1, strain CHeRI ephemerovirus 1 and CHeRI orbivirus 4, strain CHeRI orbivirus 4-1 - respectively were discovered.

Publications (2017-2024)

2024

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Mycobacterium kansasii Infection in a Farmed White-Tailed Deer in Florida (pdf) - Myobacterium kanasii is a zoonotic bacterial pathogen that can cause a pulmonary tuberculosis-like chronic illness in many mammals, including humans and white-tailed deer. Here we identified the first case of M. kanasaii in a Florida farmed white-tailed deer.

Phylogeographic patterns of Escherichia coli isolated from white-tailed deer (pdf)- WTD often die from secondary bacterial infections, including Escherichia coli. We investigated the geographic distribution of E. coli and its phylotypes on sampled Florida deer farms. There was a diversity of known phylogroups in Florida and it was observed that deer are infected locally.

Low Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in FL Farmed and Free-Ranging White-Tailed Deer (pdf) - Farmed and free-ranging WTD in Florida samples were screened for SARS-CoV-2 in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and previous studies showing evidence of direct transmission of the virus between humans and WTD. Our results show a very low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in WTD.

Culicoides Abundance across Years: Modeling Inter-Annual Variation (pdf) - CHeRI researchers utilized occupancy modeling to estimate the abundance of gravid (egg-laden) and parous (most likely to transmit the virus) females of two putative vector species, C. stellifer and C. venustus, and one species, C. haematopotus, that was not considered a putative vector. Results: There were differences in habitat preferences and spatial distribution between the parous and gravid states for C. haematopotus and C. stellifer. Gravid midges preferred areas close to water on the border of well
and poorly drained soil.

A Case of Severe Abomasal Sand Impaction in a FL Farmed White-Tailed Deer (pdf) - Report of a chronic sand impaction in a Florida white-tailed deer. Chronic sand impaction may have damaged the abomasal mucosal layer, leading to active subacute abomasitis and a compromised immune system.

Novel bluetongue virus serotype 2 strain arose from reassortment of gene segment (pdf) - We've found evidence of reassortment of bluetongue virus that resulted in a novel serotype 2 strain.

CHeRI's 2024-2029 Strategic Plan (pdf) - To guide our research and extension priorities for the next 5 years of CHeRI, we have established an updated Strategic Plan to provide a roadmap to our mission.

2023

Blood analytes of clinically normal and diseased neonatal and weaned WTD (pdf) - The objective of this study was to establish reference levels for blood analytes of white-tailed deer fawns at birth and at weaning. to see how the analytes are affected by age and sex, and then compare clinically normal weanlings to sick weanlings.

Characterization of two novel reassortants of bluetongue virus serotype 1 (pdf) - CHeRI researchers report characterization of two BTV-1 serotype strains in two farmed white-tailed deer.

Host associations of biting midges at Florida deer farms (pdf)- A description of host associations of biting midges observed at 8 deer farms in Florida.

2022

Characterization of a Novel Reassortant EHDV-6 Isolated from Diseased FL WTD(pdf)- A description of a novel reassortment of EHDV6 of Florida farmed white-tailed deer in 2019.

2021

Modeling Abundance of Culicoides stellifer, a Candidate Orbivirus Vector (pdf) - Midge abundance was positively associated with sites in close proximity to large-animal feeders. Midges were also found to generally prefer mixed bottomland hardwood and agricultural/sand/water habitats.

Genome Sequence of a Yunnan Orbivirus Isolated from a Dead Florida WTD (pdf) - Report of the complete coding sequences of a Yunnan orbivirus isolated from a Florida farmed white-tailed deer in 2019. Prevalence of Yunnan and its role among white-tailed deer is yet to be determined.

A Mortality-Based Description of EHDV and BTV Prevalence in FL Farmed WTD (pdf) - A description of mortalities observed and confirmed in Florida farmed white-tailed deer from 2016-2020. EHDV and BTV accounted for 44% of mortalities, with the greatest proportion of mortalities was observed in young animals (aged 3–6 months). These data provide the first estimate of EHDV and BTV prevalence and virus serotypes among farmed WTD in Florida, within age groups. This suggest HD is a major challenge for captive cervid farming industry in Florida.

Vector Competence of Florida Culicoides insignis for EHDV-2 (pdf) - In this study, vector competence for EHDV serotype-2 of Culicoides insignis was performed. Field-collected female midges were provided bovine blood spiked with three different titers of EHDV-2. Results suggest that C. insignis is a weak competent vector of EHDV-2 and can transmit infection if high titers of EHDV are ingested. However, due to high density of C. insignis in Florida, C. insignis likely plays a part in EHDV-2 transmission in Florida.

2020

Genome Sequence of a CHeRI Orbivirus 3 Strain Isolated from a Dead WTD (pdf) - We report the genome sequence of an orbivirus isolated from a deceased white-tailed deer in Florida.

Three New Orbivirus Species Isolated from Farmed White-Tailed Deer (pdf) - We detected and sequenced of three novel orbivirus species from samples collected from 6 deceased white-tailed deer. 4/6 were shown to also be infected with EHDV2, which raises more questions as EHDV is a Culicoides-borne virus, whereas the new orbiviruses were found to be closely related to mosquito-borne viruses.

Evidence of EHDV and BTV Exposure in Nonnative Ruminant Species (pdf) - Blood samples from exotic species on conservation properties and private ranches were screened for EHDV and BTV. Both Bovidae and Cervidae species showed higher prevalence levels, possibly indicating potential virus hosts.

EHDV and BTV Seroprevalence in Wild White-tailed Deer in Florida (pdf) - 121 blood samples were screened to determine the seroprevalence of EHDV and BTV in the Florida wild deer population. results show the seroprevalence may be high for multiple serotypes in areas where these orbiviruses are endemic.

CHeRI Medgene Labs Vaccine Report 2020 (pdf) - CHeRI devised a case-control experiment to determine if vaccinated deer had a greater antibody titer than unvaccinated deer. We conducted our experiment on a Florida deer farm in the months of September and October 2020. CHeRI Director Dr. Samantha Wisely and CHeRI veterinarian Dr. Juan Campos discuss the methods and results of the study, what we can conclude from the study, and future recommendations for deer farmers.

Management of Plant and Arthropod Pests by Deer Farmers in Florida (pdf) - This study tries to provide more resources about pest control practices being utilized by deer farmers is limited. To fill this knowledge gap and to assess if recommended integrated pest management (IPM) programs were being used, we surveyed Florida deer farmers about their pest management programs via an online questionnaire.

Site fidelity of Florida ranched and wild WTD during EHDV season (pdf)- Studying movement and space use by ruminant hosts during the transmission season may elucidate EHDV ecology by identifying behaviors that can increase exposure risk. Here we compared home ranges (HRs) and site fidelity metrics within HRs using the T-LoCoH R package and GPS data from collared deer.

2019

Genome Sequences of a Novel Strain of Big Cypress Orbivirus Isolated from WTD (pdf) - We sequenced a new orbivirus, known as Big Cypress, from a deceased Florida white-tailed deer. It is the first detection of this virus in a vertebrate host.

Field data implicating C. stellifer and C. venustus as EHDV vectors (pdf) - In this study, Culicoides stellifer and Culicoides venustus satisfied 2/4 criteria for determining if a vector is a viable host of EHDV. Knowing EHDV vectors is an important step for developing effective control and management strategies.

Habitat associations of Culicoides species abundant on FL deer farms (pdf) - This research is a first step at understanding which habitats are important to the insects that cause disease in deer. Understanding insect habitat needs will help farmers control these insects on their farm.

Molecular characterization of a novel reassortment Mammalian orthoreovirus-2 (pdf) - This study shows that Mammalian orthoreovirus (MRV) was found for the first time in farmed white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and likely contributed to the death of a 21 day old white-tailed deer fawn that died after producing profuse foul smelling diarrhea. CHeRI scientists have found that the virus present in white-tailed deer is closely related to MRVs of other mammals, such as pigs, mink, bats, and humans.

Complete genome sequence of mobuck virus from a FL white-tailed deer (pdf) - A report of the complete genome sequence of Mobuck virus isolated from a Florida white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in 2017. This is the second report of Mobuck virus in the United States and expands the known geographic range of this orbivirus into Florida.

Ecological niche modeling the potential geographic distribution of Culicoides (pdf) - This study used ecological niche modeling to map the potential geographical distributions and associated ecological variable space of four Culicoides species suspected of transmitting EHDV in Florida, including Culicoides insignis, Culicoides stellifer, Culicoides debilipalpis, and Culicoides venustus.

2018

Host use patterns of Culicoides spp. and Orbivirus transmission implications (pdf) - This study investigated the host range of Culicoides species present on a big game preserve in Florida on which a variety of cervids and bovids freely roam.

Vertical stratification of Culicoides biting midges at a Florida game preserve (pdf)- This study aimed to determine whether common Culicoides species in Florida stratify vertically and to determine whether strata used by midges corresponded to host use.

Characterization of mule deerpox in FL WTD expands known host and range (pdf) - A report of the first genome sequence of mule deerpox virus (MDPV) from a farmed white-tailed deer fawn in the South Central Florida, expanding the number of locations and geographic range in which MDPV has been identifed.

Genomic sequencing of epizootic hemorrhagic disease viruses isolated in Florida (pdf) - Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) serotypes 1 and 2 were isolated from Florida white-tailed deer in 2015 and 2016, respectively, and their genomes were completely sequenced.

2017

Complete genome sequence of EHDV-6 isolated from FL WTD (pdf) - Complete genome sequence of Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) serotype 6 (EHDV-6), isolated from a Florida white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in 2016.

2016

5 Year Strategic Plan for CHeRI (pdf) - In order to guide our research and extension priorities for the next 5 years of CHeRI, we have established a Strategic Plan to provide a roadmap to our mission.

EDIS Articles, Other Publications, Presentations, and Posters
- EDIS Articles and other publications
  - Facts about Wildllife Diseases: Capture Myopathy in Farmed White-Tailed Deer (pdf) - This publication discusses causes, clinical signs, and ways to reduce risk of capture myopathy in farmed white-tailed deer.
  - Facts about Wildlife Diseases: SARS-CoV-2 in White-tailed Deer (pdf) - This factsheet describes SARS-CoV-2 in white-tailed deer.
  - Trueperella (Arcanobacterium pyogenes) in Farmed White-Tailed Deer (pdf) - Trueperella is a bacterium that can cause lesions in multiple areas of the body including the lungs, mouth, skin, and liver. It is a common cause of abscesses and pneumonia in deer. It also causes lesions on the face, ears, neck, lungs, and lymph nodes. It is one of the types of bacteria that is known to contribute to the disease lumpy jaw. In young fawns, it is a common cause of mortality.
  - Common Disease of Captive Fawns in Florida (pdf) - Fawning season is a stressful time for deer farmers. From birth to weaning, white-tailed deer fawns have a high mortality rate. There are multiple reasons for the high death rate, but most are associated with the animals developing immune system and exposure to a variety of bacteria and viruses.
  - Facts about Wildlife Diseases: Hemorrhagic Fever in White-Tailed Deer (pdf)emorrhagic Fever in White-Tailed Deer (pdf) - This factsheet describes best management techniques for outbreaks of HD in farm-raised deer. It includes strategies for best supportive care for sick animals, diagnostics, and integrated pest management to control biting midges that spread the viruses that cause hemorrhagic disease, because the best way to manage disease is to prevent it.
  - Primary Screwworm Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) (Insecta: Diptera: Calliphoridae) (pdf) - Screwworms are endemic to the Western Hemisphere and pose a serious threat to livestock, wildlife, pets, and humans. In October of 2016, the USDA-APHIS (United States Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) confirmed the presence of primary screwworm in Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) on Big Pine Key in Florida. Key deer are an endangered species that have been found only on the Florida Keys.
- Presentations and Posters
  - The Cervidae Health Research Initiative: Promoting deer health to the farmed deer industry in Florida (pdf) - Dr. Samantha Wisely
  - Comparative Study of Theileria spp. Phylogenies and Prevalence in Florida On- and Off-Ranch White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) (pdf poster)- Hood, K., A. Cauvin, K.A. Sayler
  - Epidemiology of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus in White-tailed Deer in Florida: Surviving Year Around Exposure (pdf) - Sayler, K.A., E. Blosser, B. McGregor, N. Burkett-Cadena, C.L. Boyce, J. Loeb, J.K. Blackburn, J.A. Lednicky, S.M. Wisely
  - Collaboration and Communication of the Cervidae Health Research Initiative (pdf poster) - Moore, S.P., K.A. Sayler, S.M. Wisely
  - Identification of host-derived attractants and repellents for improving Culicoides management on deer farms (pdf) - Weeks, E.N.I., S.A. Gezan, J.A. Vann, S.A. Allan
  - Patterns of host use of Culicoides spp. in Florida: Implications for pathogen transmission and vector interventions (pdf)- Burkett-Cadena, N.
  - Viruses Discovered in Florida Farmed Deer (pdf) - Waltzek, T.B., J. Jacob. K.A. Sayler, J. Loeb, J. Lednicky, S.M. Wisely, K. Subramaniam
  - The Clinical Pathology of CHeRI: What Makes a Healthy Fawn (pdf) - Cauvin, A., N. Stacy, R. Shuman, K. Sayler
  - Newport Vaccine does not produce homologous antibodies against EHDV (pdf poster)
  - Comparative study of endoparasite burden of captive vs free-range white-tailed deer in Northwest Florida (pdf poster) - Flanders, S.L., C.L. Boyce, K.A. Sayler, S.M. Wisely, H.D.S. Walden
  - Prevalence of Parelaphostrongylus andersoni in white-tailed deer, other cervids, and bovids at a private sanctuary in northern Florida (pdf poster) - O'Leary, T.J., C.L. Boyce, K.A. Sayler, S.M. Wisely, J. Slapcinsky, J.F.X. Wellehan, H. Allgood, L. Archer, H.S. Walden

Videos

Deer and Wildlife Stories with Keith Warren discovers CHeRI's EHD research at University of Florida

Flashback from April 2019: on Deer and Wildlife Stories with Keith Warren, we discover a research program on the deadly deer disease EHD being conducted at the University of Florida. This research will help whitetail deer enthusiasts around the country. Warning! The following video contains hunting and shooting that is educational in nature, but may be offensive to some people. Viewer discretion is advised.

Necropsy of a White-Tailed Deer (video)

Learn how to conduct a necropsy on your deer in order a white-tailed deer in order to submit specimens to diagnose EHD and blue-tongued virus.

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