Experimental infection of elk (Cervus canadensis) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) with SARS-CoV-2

Abstract Elk ( Cervus canadensis ) and mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ) were experimentally evaluated for susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. Elk did not shed infectious virus but produced low-level serological responses. Mule deer shed and transmitted virus in addition to mounting pronounced serological responses; they could therefore play a role in the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2. Article Summary Line Experimental infection of elk ( Cervus canadensis ) and mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ) with SARS-CoV-2 revealed that while elk are minimally susceptible to infection, mule deer become infected, shed infectious virus, and can infect naïve contacts.