To assess the susceptibility of elk (Cervus canadensis) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) to SARS-CoV-2, we performed experimental infections in both species. Elk did not shed infectious virus but mounted low-level serologic responses. Mule deer shed and transmitted virus and mounted pronounced serologic responses and thus could play a role in SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology.
Keywords: 2019 novel coronavirus disease; COVID-19; Cervus canadensis; Delta variant; Odocoileus hemionus; SARS-CoV-2; cervid; coronavirus; coronavirus disease viruses; elk; mule deer; respiratory infections; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; viruses; wildlife; zoonoses.