Experimental pneumonia in red deer (Cervus elaphus L) produced by an ovine chlamydia.

An isolate of Chlamydia psittaci from ovine pneumonia produced extensive pneumonia in red deer after endobronchial inoculation. Associated clinical signs lasting for several days included pyrexia, inappetance, increased pulse and respiration rate, and physical distress after handling, but no coughing or upper respiratory symptoms. Histologically, an acute exudative reaction was present after two days, and an early proliferative response after seven days. Both the clinical and pathological responses were more marked than those usually associated with chlamydial pneumonia in other large animals after endobronchial infection. A small survey for chlamydial antibody in wild red deer was negative.