Foot and mouth disease in deer

Foot and mouth disease in the UK

The disease is caused by a virus that can be carried in air or water and is highly infectious. The UK is considered officially 'disease-free' for foot and mouth disease (FMD). However, there may still be occasional outbreaks that will affect deer and domestic livestock. If there is an outbreak of disease, the Scottish Government may introduce restrictions on culling deer and movement of carcasses and by-products.

Signs of foot and mouth disease

Deer may not show many of the outward signs of FMD seen in domestic livestock, such as lameness and drooling. The clinical signs can be seen only by close examination of the carcass. The most common signs are small blisters (known as vesicles) on the skin and ulcers in the mouth or on the feet.

More about foot and mouth disease

Read the Deer Initiative's Best Practice Guide on Foot and Mouth Disease to learn more about the clinical signs of the disease.

Visit the Scottish Government's web page on foot and mouth disease for information on the current disease situation in Scotland and any restrictions in place.