Generalised alopecia associated with demodicosis in wild roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

Strugnell and others (2010) reported the first case of demodicosis with alopecia in roe deer in Great Britain. This was a single case from North Yorkshire. We would like to report further cases on an estate in Somerset. This estate is 450 acres (1.82 km2) and consists of 250 acres (1.01 km2) of woodland with the rest grass grazed by sheep. It is managed by a new keeper who took charge in December 2009. The total roe deer population on the estate is now estimated to be 80 to 100 animals, of all ages. Forty deer had been shot over the past 12 months. Two bucks that were shot during the first week of August 2010 were in good body condition but had extensive alopecia. These were not submitted for examination. At this time, similar changes were seen in a doe, and …