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.

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