Characterization of the prion protein gene in axis deer () and implications for susceptibility to chronic wasting disease.

Axis deer () occur both in captivity and free-ranging populations in portions of North America, but to-date, no data exist pertaining to the species' susceptibility to CWD. We sequenced the prion protein gene () from axis deer. We then compared axis deer PrP sequences and amino acid polymorphisms to those of CWD susceptible species. A single allele with no evidence of intraspecies variation was identified in axis deer that indicates axis deer is most similar to North American elk () . Therefore, axis deer may be susceptible to CWD. We recommend proactively increasing CWD surveillance for axis deer, particularly where CWD has been detected and axis deer are sympatric with native North American CWD susceptible species.