The Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) is one of the largest deer species. The Red Deer inhabits most of Europe, the Caucasus Mountains region, Asia Minor and parts of western and central Asia. It also inhabits the Atlas Mountains region between Morocco and Tunisia in northwestern Africa, being the only species of deer to inhabit Africa. Red Deer have been introduced to other areas including Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. In many parts of the world the meat (venison) from Red Deer is used as a food source.

Red Deer are ruminants, characterized by an even number of toes, and a four-chambered stomach. Recent DNA evidence indicates that the Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) and the East Asian and North American Elk (Wapiti) (Cervus canadensis) represent two distinct species. They also hint at an additional primordial subgroup of Central Asian Red Deer. The ancestor of all Red Deer probably originated in Central Asia and probably resembled Sika Deer.

Although at one time Red Deer were rare in some areas, they were never close to extinction. Reintroduction and conservation efforts, especially in the United Kingdom, have resulted in an increase of Red Deer populations, while other areas, such as North Africa, have continued to show a population decline.

• Chronic Wasting Disease (3)

See also:

• Business: Agriculture and Forestry: Livestock: Deer and Elk (23)
• Health: Animal: Livestock (92)
• Science: Biology: Flora and Fauna: Animalia: Chordata: Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Cervidae (39)

• Veterinary Surveillance: Deer
  defra.gov.uk
  Provides information on the six species of wild deer found wild in the UK, what illnesses they are prone to and what health surveillance is done.
• North American Whitetail Protection Services
  nawps.com
  Organization working to protect whitetail deer from infectious insects such as the Biting Midge. Provides information on deadly infections such as EHD and BT and how to prevent them.