Thread: Strange Behavior in the Bush: Seeking Insight on a Peculiar Deer Encounter

we used to pick up a few live deer from a possum trapper / meat hunter who worked in the Upper Waioeka when I doing some part time work on the meat choppers - his method of capture was a little brutal they would string a flounder net across a stream at a narrow point and then run a team of dogs and rry to chase the deer into it - some had their kneck bent back at an odd angle - I heard the term they used was ry kneck they generally did not recover and had to be euthanatized or simply died

but this from a vet journal so possibly something similar

ryegrass staggers
This condition is a disease of deer, sheep, cattle, alpaca and horse caused by the consumption of perennial ryegrass infected with certain fungi. The fungal spores are toxic and cause nerve and brain damage, which manifests itself as tremors and staggering.

How does the problem spread?
What are the symptoms?and thrash or have convulsions. They may stand with a very stiff legged stance and shake or nod.
It can be difficult to notice initial signs of ryegrass staggers if the animals are at rest or quietly grazing. There may be a slight head tremor or trembling of the muscles of the neck, shoulder or back. If the deer are moved or yarded, the tremors and shaking become more exaggerated. Severally affected animals can fall over