Feral Fallow Deer Dama Dama

Restricted invasive animal

Feral fallow deer Dama dama

Originally introduced in the 19th century from Europe and Legal requirements Asia as game animals by European settlers, Australia is now home to six species of deer; fallow, red, chital, hog, Feral fallow deer is a restricted invasive animal under rusa and sambar. Queensland is home to four of the six the Biosecurity Act 2014. It must not be moved, fed, given species; fallow, red, chital and rusa. away, sold, or released into the environment without a permit. While deer continue to be farmed for venison, the wild populations are causing significant environmental The Act requires everyone to take all reasonable and damage. They can damage crops, pastures and forestry practical steps to minimise the risks associated with plantations and compete with livestock for pasture. invasive plants and animals under their control. This is Feral deer can alter the structure and composition of called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO). This fact endangered ecological communities, cause erosion and sheet gives examples of how you can meet your GBO. spread weed seeds. They stray onto roads becoming traffic hazards and may cause motor vehicle accidents in rural and urban areas. At a local level, each local government must have a Map 1. Distribution of feral fallow deer in Queensland biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants and animals in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken on certain species. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local government for more information.

An animal ceases being considered an invasive restricted animal (feral) if a person is keeping it in a deer proof enclosure and has become a registerable biosecurity entity (RBE) to keep that designated animal. Feral fallow deer can be considered as designated animals if a person keeps them. Generally the minimum escape proof enclosure for farmed deer or an exclusion fence for feral deer is a well maintained high netting fence or equivalent. An example of an effective deer fence is one that is 2.1 m high, has strainers and posts made of heavy duty material such as hardwood or metal that are set deeply into the ground and no more than 9 m apart.

The netting would be 17/190/15 or 13/190/30 for red deer, supported by well strained top, bottom and belly wires and pegged securely to the ground. Gates would be of similar standard and the same height. Fence lines should preferably be cleared to minimise trees falling on the fence. Note that this is an example only and fence construction should be appropriate for the individual circumstances. Description Fallow deer come in four colour varieties ranging from white to black. Their most common colour is tan or fawn with white spotting on the flanks and a white rump patch outlined with a black horseshoe pattern. In Queensland, fallow deer were successfully released at Adult bucks stand up to 90 cm at the shoulder, does Westbrook and Warwick on the Darling Downs between around 80 cm. Adult bucks weigh around 90 kg, does 1870 and 1872. The Pikedale population, south-west around 45 kg. of Warwick, is now the major wild fallow deer herd in Queensland. The herd numbers around 2800 and is Male antlers are flattened and palmate with numerous broadly contiguous with larger numbers of fallow deer on points, and up to 70 cm long. the New England Tableland in New South Wales. Life cycle In recent years, five other fallow populations in Queensland have been identified, three originating from Mature bucks live apart from the does until the start of the deer farm escapes (two in southern Queensland and one rut. The breeding season usually begins in April and lasts near Rockhampton) and two from translocations (one in six to eight weeks, with males remaining aggressive until southern Queensland and one in the Wide Bay area). These early August. The gestation period is about 230 days and herds are all estimated to number fewer than 100 animals. females usually produce a single fawn. Southern Queensland is close to the northern limit of Males take possession of a territory and mark the suitable habitat for fallow deer in Australia. However, the boundaries by thrashing vegetation and making shallow species could expand its range in southern border areas if scrapes with their forefeet. They utter a hoarse rattling translocations continue. sound to call females in oestrus to the territory. Fallow deer are normally found in groups of three or four in quite dense habitat, but large groups occur in open Habitat and distribution country. They are most active at dawn and dusk. When Fallow deer are native to Iran and Iraq but were introduced alarmed, they display a bouncy gait. to Europe in Roman times. They are the common park deer Predominately grazers with a preference for improved of England. Fallow deer were the first species of deer to pasture, fallow deer will browse acacia, blackberry become established in Australia. and the tips of rushes and bracken. They prefer open, grassy glades in forest, with dense understorey a favoured retreat.

2 Feral fallow deer Dama dama Impacts There is also the potential threat to human health of rutting stags, particularly in peri-urban areas where deer Production losses may become habituated to people. Feral deer are opportunistic and highly adaptable feeders that both graze and browse. Their diet is largely Beneficial considerations determined by what is locally available, but because they Fallow deer can be trapped for the wild venison trade in require a diet twice as high in protein content than cattle— accordance with Food Safety Standards. Trapping deer to and with significantly higher quantities of digestible use as foundation stock for a farmed herd is less viable vegetable matter—they will normally feed selectively on due to the animal welfare and human safety aspects of the highest quality plants in a pasture. Because of this, handling feral deer. deer can impose substantial costs on primary producers. Feral deer have been reported to cause damage to a Recreational deer hunting wide variety of agricultural crops, pastures and forestry plantations through competition with cattle and other The cost of deer control may be minimised by enlisting or livestock for pasture. utilising commercial or recreational hunters to assist in the control. Landholders wishing to engage a third party Other impacts on rural enterprises include damage to to assist in deer control on their property should carefully fences, spreading of weeds and fouling of water holes. consider a number of points before allowing access to their property, including conditions of access, public liability Parasites and diseases insurance, and references. Feral deer are susceptible to exotic livestock diseases including foot-and-mouth disease, rinderpest, vesicular Control stomatitis, rabies and blue tongue. Unchecked, wild herds could play a major role in the spread of infection and act as Manging feral fallow deer a reservoir if these diseases are introduced to Australia. The GBO requires a person to take reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks posed by feral fallow Feral deer are also susceptible to a number of diseases deer. This fact sheet provides information and some and parasites currently in Australia including cattle tick, options for controlling feral fallow deer. leptospirosis and ovine and bovine Johne’s disease. In many case, deer control is best done as a joint The main concern is the cost in lost livestock production exercise, involving all land managers in the district. Local or the spread of disease to free areas (e.g. bovine Johne’s governments and landcare groups can assist coordinating disease). However, some of the diseases and parasites efforts. also have significant implications for human health. Prevention and early detection Environmental impacts The first and most effective step to managing the impacts Because deer are large animals they are capable of of deer in Queensland must be to prevent more deer damaging native vegetation by browsing and trampling entering the wild. understorey and seedling plants, and ring-barking young trees. Thirty-five per cent of all current feral deer populations have resulted from deer farm escapes or releases, with Deer are also selective feeders. Over time, their browsing a significant percentage of the remaining populations will influence the variety and abundance of native plant resulting from the deliberate translocation of deer. species. A significantly lower diversity and abundance of plant species is evident in environments where deer Under Queensland legislation, the release or translocation densities are high. of feral fallow deer is prohibited. Farmed deer and deer in game parks must be contained in deer-proof fences and it Feral deer can significantly impact ecologically fragile is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that deer are areas and have the potential to eliminate threatened plant contained. Failure to do so is a breach of the Act. species from an area.

Other environmental damage attributable to wild deer Shooting is the fouling of waterholes, the spreading of weeds, Shooting must be carried out by trained personnel with overgrazing causing erosion (and the subsequent appropriated firearms licenses. Shooters must possess degradation of water quality in creek and river systems). the necessary skill and judgment to kill deer with a single shot. Lactating females should not be shot, but, if they Social impacts are inadvertently shot, efforts should be made to find the Fallow deer occur in both rural and peri-urban areas of young and euthanase them. south-east Queensland. Grazing deer may damage parks, Ground shooting residential gardens and fences in outer urban areas. In some areas, orchards and other horticultural enterprises Although time consuming and labour intensive, ground may suffer considerable damage. Where close to major shooting is considered to be the most effective and roads, wandering deer represent a serious traffic hazard humane technique currently available for reducing wild and may cause motor vehicle accidents. deer populations. Such shooting is usually done at night from a vehicle, with the aid of spotlights.

Feral fallow deer Dama dama 3 Helicopter shooting Trapping Helicopter shooting is effective in inaccessible areas such Trapping may be an option for deer control in some as broadacre crops, swamps and marshes. However, most circumstances. The simplest form of trapping for deer new deer populations in Queensland are at comparatively involves a self-mustering trap. Deer may also be trapped low densities and in areas of thick cover and therefore in clover traps. helicopter shooting is unlikely to be an economic option. This form of control also risks disturbing and dispersing Traps must be monitored closely and deer should be the deer population. promptly tranquilised or euthanased after trapping. Deer mortalities of 3–7 per cent post-trapping have been Fencing recorded in US studies and animal welfare issues must be considered in using this method. Generally the minimum escape proof enclosure for farmed deer or an exclusion fence for feral deer is a well maintained high netting fence or equivalent. An example Further information of an effective deer fence is one that is 2.1 m high, has Further information is available from your local strainers and posts made of heavy duty material such as government office, or by contacting Biosecurity hardwood or metal that are set deeply into the ground and Queensland on 13 25 23 or visit biosecurity.qld.gov.au. no more than 9 m apart.

The netting would be 17/190/15 or 13/190/30 for feral fallow deer, supported by well strained top, bottom and belly wires and pegged securely to the ground. Gates would be of similar standard and the same height. Fence lines should preferably be cleared to minimise trees falling on the fence.

Note that this is an example only and fence construction should be appropriate for the individual circumstances.

This fact sheet is developed with funding support from the Land Protection Fund. Fact sheets are available from Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) service centres and our Customer Service Centre (telephone 13 25 23). Check our website at biosecurity.qld.gov.au to ensure you have the latest version of this fact sheet. The control methods referred to in this fact sheet should be used in accordance with the restrictions (federal and state legislation, and local government laws) directly or indirectly related to each control method. These restrictions may prevent the use of one or more of the methods referred to, depending on individual circumstances. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, DAF does not invite reliance upon it, nor accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused by actions based on it.

WildFeral dog red controldeer CanisCervus familiaris elaphus

Originally introduced in the 19th century from Europe and Feral red deer can alter the structure and composition of Asia as game animals by European settlers, Australia is endangered ecological communities, cause erosion and now home to six species of deer; fallow, red, chital, hog, spread weed seeds. They stray onto roads becoming traffic rusa and sambar. Queensland is home to four of the six hazards and may cause motor vehicle accidents in rural species; fallow, red, chital and rusa. and urban areas.

While deer continue to be farmed for venison, the wild populations are causing significant environmental damage. They can damage crops, pastures and forestry plantations and compete with livestock for pasture. Legal requirements Map 1. Distribution of feral red deer in Queensland Feral red deer is a restricted invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014. It must not be moved, fed, given away, sold, or released into the environment without a permit. The Act requires everyone to take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive plants and animals under their control. This is called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO). This fact sheet gives examples of how you can meet your GBO.

At a local level, each local government must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants and animals in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken on certain species. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local government for more information.

An animal ceases being considered an invasive restricted animal (feral) if a person is keeping it in a deer proof enclosure and has become a registerable biosecurity entity (RBE) to keep that designated animal. Feral red deer can be considered as designated animals if a person keeps them. Generally the minimum escape proof enclosure for farmed deer or an exclusion fence for feral deer is a well maintained high netting fence or equivalent. An example of an effective deer fence is one that is 2.1 m high, has strainers and posts made of heavy duty material such as hardwood or metal that are set deeply into the ground and no more than 9 m apart.

The netting would be 17/190/15 or 13/190/30 for red deer, supported by well strained top, bottom and belly wires and pegged securely to the ground. Gates would The white spots gradually fade and disappear in about be of similar standard and the same height. Fence lines three months. should preferably be cleared to minimise trees falling on the fence. Note that this is an example only and fence construction should be appropriate for the individual Habitat and distribution circumstances Red deer are native to Eurasia—the traditional continents of Europe and Asia. They were released in 1873 and Description 1874 by the Queensland Acclimatisation Society with the consent of the Queensland Government. The original Feral red deer have a glossy reddish-brown to brown animals were a gift from Queen Victoria to provide summer coat, while mature red deer show a straw- ‘… additional food and sport’ for the people of the state. coloured rump patch. The initial release of six hinds and three stags occurred at Adult stags stand up to 120 cm at the shoulder, while adult Cressbrook near Esk. hinds stand up to 100 cm at the shoulder. Stags weigh Red deer are concentrated throughout the upper reaches up to 220 kg, hinds up to 100 kg. Stags develop a mane of the Brisbane River valley and into the headwaters of during winter and the best trophy stags have antlers with the Mary and Burnett rivers. It is estimated that there six or more points on each side. are around 10 000 to 15 000 red deer in this area of south-east Queensland. Regular sightings suggest that Life cycle the species is expanding its range into environments Mature stags live apart from the hinds until the start of the contiguous with the core red deer area, including into the rut. They are most active at dawn and dusk. Their preferred outer suburbs of Brisbane. habitat is open, grassy glades in forests. Two other red deer populations in Queensland have been The mating season (the rut) is from March to April. Mature established by translocations—one (with a population of males compete to gather harems of females and hold them fewer than 100 animals) in the Rockhampton region and against rivals. another (with a population between 100 and 500) in the Roma–Injune–Mitchell area. Calves are born from late November to December. The gestation period is about 233 days, and the females A large part of southern Queensland appears to offer usually give birth to a single calf. At birth the coats of suitable habitat for red deer. In the past, it was considered calves are reddish brown with distinct white spots. that agricultural activity on the boundaries of the

2 Feral red deer Cervus elaphus traditional red deer range formed an effective barrier to close to major roads, wandering deer represent a serious further expansion. However, the recent assisted dispersal traffic hazard and may cause motor vehicle accidents. of red deer sounds a note of caution. There is also the potential threat to human health of Impacts rutting stags, particularly in peri-urban areas where deer may become habituated to people. Production losses Feral deer are opportunistic and highly adaptable Beneficial considerations feeders that both graze and browse. Their diet is largely Red deer can be trapped for the wild venison trade in determined by what is locally available, but because they accordance with Food Safety Standards. Trapping deer to require a diet twice as high in protein content as cattle— use as foundation stock for a farmed herd is less viable and with significantly higher quantities of digestible due to the animal welfare and human safety aspects of vegetable matter—they will normally feed selectively on handling feral deer. the highest quality plants in a pasture. Because of this, deer can impose substantial costs on primary producers. Recreational deer hunting Feral deer have been reported to cause damage to a The cost of deer control may be minimised by enlisting or wide variety of agricultural crops, pastures and forestry utilising commercial or recreational hunters to assist in plantations through competition with cattle and other control. Landholders wishing to engage a third party to livestock for pasture. assist in deer control on their property should carefully consider a number of points before allowing access to their Other impacts on rural enterprises include damage to property, including conditions of access, public liability fences, spreading of weeds and fouling of water holes. insurance, and references.

Parasites and diseases Control Feral deer are susceptible to exotic livestock diseases including foot-and-mouth disease, rinderpest, vesicular Managing feral red deer stomatitis, rabies and blue tongue. Unchecked, wild herds The GBO requires a person to take reasonable and could play a major role in the spread of infection and act as practical steps to minimise the risks posed by feral red a reservoir if these diseases are introduced to Australia. deer. This fact sheet provides information and some Wild deer are also susceptible to a number of diseases options for controlling feral red deer. and parasites currently in Australia including cattle tick, In many case, deer control is best done as a joint leptospirosis and ovine and bovine Johne’s disease. exercise, involving all land managers in the district. Local The main concern is the cost in lost livestock production governments and landcare groups can assist coordinating or the spread of disease to free areas (e.g. bovine Johne’s efforts. disease). However, some of the diseases and parasites also have significant implications for human health. Prevention and early detection The first and most effective step to managing the impacts Environmental impacts of deer in Queensland must be to prevent more deer Because deer are large animals, they are capable of entering the wild. damaging native vegetation by browsing and trampling Thirty-five percent of all current wild deer populations understorey and seedling plants, and ring-barking have resulted from deer farm escapes or releases, with young trees. a significant percentage of the remaining populations Deer are also selective feeders. Over time, their browsing resulting from the deliberate translocation of deer. will influence the variety and abundance of native plant Under Queensland legislation, the release or translocation species. A significantly lower diversity and abundance of wild red deer is prohibited. Farmed deer and deer in of plant species is evident in environments where deer game parks must be contained in deer-proof fences and it densities are high. is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that deer are Feral deer can significantly impact ecologically fragile contained. Failure to do so is a breach of the legislation. areas and have the potential to eliminate threatened plant species from an area. Shooting Shooting must be carried out by trained personnel with Other environmental damage attributable to wild deer appropriated firearms licenses. Shooters must possess is the fouling of waterholes, the spreading of weeds, the necessary skill and judgment to kill deer with a single overgrazing causing erosion (and the subsequent shot. Lactating females should not be shot, but, if they degradation of water quality in creek and river systems). are inadvertently shot, efforts should be made to find the young and euthanase them. Social impacts Red deer occur in both rural and peri-urban areas of Ground shooting south-east Queensland. Grazing deer may damage parks, Although time consuming and labour intensive, ground residential gardens and fences in outer urban areas. Where shooting is considered to be the most effective and

Feral red deer Cervus elaphus 3 humane technique currently available for reducing feral Note that this is an example only and fence construction deer populations. Such shooting is usually done at night should be appropriate for the individual circumstances. from a vehicle, with the aid of spotlights. Trapping Helicopter shooting Trapping may be an option for deer control in some Helicopter shooting is effective in inaccessible areas such circumstances. The simplest form of trapping for deer as broadacre crops, swamps and marshes. However, most involves a self-mustering trap. Deer may also be trapped new deer populations in Queensland are at comparatively in clover traps. low densities and in areas of thick cover and therefore helicopter shooting is unlikely to be an economic option. Traps must be monitored closely and deer should be This form of control also risks disturbing and dispersing promptly euthanased after trapping. Deer mortalities of the deer population. 3–7 per cent post-trapping have been recorded in United States studies and animal welfare issues must Fencing be considered in using this method. Generally the minimum escape proof enclosure for farmed deer or an exclusion fence for feral deer is a well Further information maintained high netting fence or equivalent. An example Further information is available from your local of an effective deer fence is one that is 2.1 m high, has government office, or by contacting Biosecurity strainers and posts made of heavy duty material such as Queensland on 13 25 23 or visit biosecurity.qld.gov.au. hardwood or metal that are set deeply into the ground and no more than 9 m apart.

WildFeral dog rusa control deer CanisCervus familiaris timorensis

Originally introduced in the 19th century from Europe and Legal requirements Asia as game animals by European settlers, Australia is now home to six species of deer; fallow, red, chital, hog, Feral rusa deer is a restricted invasive animal under the rusa and sambar. Queensland is home to four of the six Biosecurity Act 2014. It must not be moved, fed, given species; fallow, red, chital and rusa. away, sold, or released into the environment without a permit. The Act requires everyone to take all reasonable While deer continue to be farmed for venison, the wild and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with populations are causing significant environmental invasive plants and animals under their control. This is damage. They can damage crops, pastures and forestry called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO). This fact plantations and compete with livestock for pasture. sheet gives examples of how you can meet your GBO. Feral deer can alter the structure and composition of endangered ecological communities, cause erosion and spread weed seeds. They stray onto roads becoming traffic hazards and may cause motor vehicle accidents in rural and urban areas. At a local level, each local government must have a Map 1. Distribution of feral rusa deer in Queensland biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants and animals in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken on certain species. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local government for more information.

An animal ceases being considered an invasive restricted animal (feral) if a person is keeping it in a deer proof enclosure and has become a registerable biosecurity entity (RBE) to keep that designated animal. Feral rusa deer can be considered as designated animals if a person keeps them. Generally the minimum escape proof enclosure for farmed deer or an exclusion fence for feral deer is a well maintained high netting fence or equivalent. An example of an effective deer fence is one that is 2.1 m high, has strainers and posts made of heavy duty material such as hardwood or metal that are set deeply into the ground and no more than 9 m apart.

Description

Rusa deer have a greyish to yellowish or reddish-brown coat, which is darker brown on their hindquarters and thighs. Their body hair is coarse and stags develop a mane In recent years, at least six other rusa populations during winter. established by translocations have been identified. Three of these are in areas around Townsville and Rockhampton, Stags stand up to 110 cm, hinds up to 95 cm. Stags weigh and three are in southern Queensland, including a about 120 kg, hinds up to 80 kg. population located near Stanthorpe. The Rockhampton and Stanthorpe populations are estimated at between 100 Stags have three tined antlers with the beams forming a and 500 animals. The remaining populations are estimated characteristic lyre shape. to number fewer than 100 animals. However, populations in more remote areas may exceed these estimates. Life cycle Rusa have been translocated to the traditional chital deer During the rut, rusa stags ‘plough’ vegetation and amass range around Charters Towers. There are also anecdotal bundles of greenery on their antlers. reports of 600 rusa being released into a flood plain Rutting may take place at any time but the tendency is for environment in the Gulf. Given the suitability of the breeding from June to October. Most fawns are born in environment, observed reproduction rates suggest that March and April. In good seasonal conditions hinds may such a herd could number 3000 within five years. produce three calves in two years. Because rusa is a tropical species, much of coastal The gestation period is about 252 days and females Queensland and adjacent areas would be suitable usually give birth to a single calf, occasionally twins. Rusa rusa habitat. calves do not have spots and are reddish-tan in colour with They prefer grassy plains bordered by dense brush or white underparts. woodlands to which they can retire during daylight hours. They are preferential grazers of grass, but also browse Habitat and distribution depending on season and availability of food. Rusa deer are native to Asia. Indonesian rusa deer were Rusa are gregarious and form herds. They are introduced to Friday Island in the Torres Strait in 1912. seminocturnal, preferring to remain under cover during the The deer later swam or were transported to other islands day. However, they also spend time sunning themselves on including Prince of Wales Island which now supports the ridge clearings. They have been reported to occasionally major population. The original Torres Strait population swim in the sea, and to eat certain seaweeds. is estimated to be at least 500 animals but may be substantially higher.

2 Feral rusa deer Cervus timorensis Impacts Social impacts Production losses Rusa deer are established in both rural and peri-urban areas of Queensland. Grazing deer may damage parks, Feral deer are opportunistic and highly adaptable residential gardens and fences in outer urban areas. Where feeders that both graze and browse. Their diet is largely close to major roads, wandering deer represent a serious determined by what is locally available, but because they traffic hazard and may cause motor vehicle accidents. require a diet twice as high in protein content as cattle— and with significantly higher quantities of digestible There is also the potential threat to human health of vegetable matter—they will normally feed selectively on rutting stags, particularly in peri-urban areas where deer the highest quality plants in a pasture. Because of this, may become habituated to people. deer can impose substantial costs on primary producers. Beneficial considerations Feral deer have been reported to cause damage to a wide variety of agricultural crops, pastures and forestry Rusa deer can be trapped for the wild venison trade in plantations through competition with cattle and other accordance with Food Saftey Standards. Trapping deer to livestock for pasture. use as foundation stock for a farmed herd is less viable due to the animal welfare and human safety aspects of Other impacts on rural enterprises include damage to handling feral deer. fences, spreading of weeds and fouling of water holes. Recreational deer hunting Parasites and diseases The cost of deer control may be minimised by enlisting or Feral deer are susceptible to exotic livestock diseases utilising commercial or recreational hunters to assist in including foot-and-mouth disease, rinderpest, vesicular control. Landholders wishing to engage a third party to stomatitis, rabies and blue tongue. Unchecked, wild herds assist in deer control on their property should carefully could play a major role in the spread of infection and act as consider a number of points before allowing access to their a reservoir if these diseases are introduced to Australia. property, including conditions of access, public liability Of particular concern is the potential for rusa deer in insurance and references the Torres Strait to spread the exotic blood parasite Trypanasoma evansi that causes surra—a disease causing Control acute, often fatal, illness in livestock. Surra occurs widely in South-East Asia and has probably already reached Irian Managing feral rusa deer Jaya as a result of livestock movements within Indonesia. The GBO requires a person to take reasonable and There is a significant risk of surra reaching Australia in the practical steps to minimise the risks posed by feral rusa same way as screw-worm fly—through the Torres Strait, deer. This fact sheet provides information and some assisted by rusa (and pigs) on the Torres Strait islands and options for controlling rusa. in the Gulf. In many case, deer control is best done as a joint Feral deer are also susceptible to a number of diseases exercise, involving all land managers in the district. Local and parasites currently in Australia including cattle tick, governments and landcare groups can assist coordinating leptospirosis and ovine and bovine Johne’s disease. efforts. The main concern is the cost in lost livestock production Prevention and early detection or the spread of disease to free areas (e.g. bovine Johne’s disease). However, some of the diseases and parasites The first and most effective step to managing the impacts also have significant human health issues. of deer in Queensland must be to prevent more deer entering the wild. Environmental impacts Thirty-five per cent of all current feral deer populations Deer are comparatively large animals capable of damaging have resulted from deer farm escapes or releases, with native vegetation by browsing and trampling understorey a significant percentage of the remaining populations and seedling plants, and ring-barking young trees. resulting from the deliberate translocation of deer.

Deer are also selective feeders. Over time, their browsing Under Queensland legislation, the release or translocation will influence the variety and abundance of native plant of feral rusa deer is prohibited. Farmed deer and deer in species. A significantly lower diversity and abundance game parks must be contained in deer-proof fences and it of plant species is evident in environments where deer is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that deer are densities are high. contained. Failure to do so is a breach of legislation. Feral deer can significantly impact ecologically fragile Shooting areas and have the potential to eliminate threatened plant species from an area. Shooting must be carried out by trained personnel with appropriated firearms licenses. Shooters must possess Other environmental damage attributable to wild deer the necessary skill and judgment to kill deer with a single is the fouling of waterholes, the spreading of weeds, shot. Lactating females should not be shot, but if they overgrazing causing erosion (and the subsequent are inadvertently shot, efforts should be made to find the degradation of water quality in creek and river systems). young and euthanase them.

Feral rusa deer Cervus timorensis 3 Ground shooting The netting would be 17/190/15 or 13/190/30 for rusa deer, supported by well strained top, bottom and belly Although time consuming and labour intensive, ground wires and pegged securely to the ground. Gates would shooting is considered to be the most effective and be of similar standard and the same height. Fence lines humane technique currently available for reducing wild should preferably be cleared to minimise trees falling deer populations. Such shooting is usually done at night on the fence. from a vehicle, with the aid of spotlights. Note that this is an example only and fence construction Helicopter shooting should be appropriate for the individual circumstances. Helicopter shooting is effective in inaccessible areas such as broadacre crops, swamps and marshes. However, Trapping most new deer populations in Queensland are at low Trapping may be an option for deer control in some densities and in areas of thick cover and therefore circumstances. The simplest form of trapping for deer helicopter shooting is unlikely to be an economic option. involves a self-mustering trap. Deer may also be trapped This form of control also risks disturbing and dispersing in clover traps. the deer population. Traps must be monitored closely and deer should be Fencing promptly tranquilised or euthanased after trapping. Deer mortalities of 3–7% post-trapping have been recorded in Generally the minimum escape proof enclosure for US studies and animal welfare issues must be considered farmed deer or an exclusion fence for feral deer is a well in using this method. maintained high netting fence or equivalent. An example of an effective deer fence is one that is 2.1 m high, has strainers and posts made of heavy duty material such as Further information hardwood or metal that are set deeply into the ground and Further information is available from your local no more than 9 m apart. government office, or by contacting Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or visit biosecurity.qld.gov.au.