Intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies associated with vesicular, ulcerative and necrotizing lesions of the digestive mucosa of a roedeer (Capreolus capreolus L.) and a moose (Alces alces L.)

At post-mortem examination of a roedeer and a moose, ulcerative and necrotizing lesions were observed in the digestive mucosa. Both animals were serologically positive for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus antibodies. Histological examination revealed intra- and intercellular oedema in stratum germinativum and spinosum, formation of vesicles and ulcers, and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in numerous epithelial cells of mainly stratum germinativum. Electronmicroscopy confirmed the histological findings and demonstrated inclusion bodies containing a granular electron dense material encircled by a single-layer membrane. Virus particles were not found.