INFECTIOUS KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS IN FREE-RANGING MULE DEER (ODOCOILEUS-HEMIONUS) FROM ZION NATIONAL-PARK, UTAH

An epizootic of infectious keratoconjunctivitis (Ig) was studied oppor tunistically in free-ranging mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) from Zion National Park, Utah (USA), from November 1999 to March 1994. Moraxell a sp, and Chlamydia sp. were isolated from the conjunctiva of two of s even deer. In addition, Thelazia californiensis occurred on the conjun ctivas of six of seven deer. Based on field observations, adults appea red to be affected clinically at a higher incidence during both years as opposed to juveniles. Corneal opacity was the most apparent clinica l sign from 1999 to 1993. However, in the following year, blepharospas m and epiphora were noted more often. We were also able to document th e clinical recovery of three affected deer. In addition, Moraxella sp. was recovered from the eyes of a clinically unaffected deer 1 year af ter the epizootic occurred.