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This study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with contracting Lyme disease (LD) among Korean deer farmers. This cross-sectional study devised questionnaire that addressed farm activities, was devised and the blood samples of 516 Korean deer farmers were tested. LD seroprevalence was determined by Western blot test. Fisher's exact test, the chi-squared test, and the chi-squared test for trend analysis were performed to assess the risk associated with LD. Of total 516 study participants recruited, only 12 (2.3%) were seropositive for LD. The result of the study revealed that only deer farmers raising Elk (Cervus Canadensis) were found to be at significantly higher risk of contracting LD than other deer farmers (p=0.033). In addition, a male sex, an age of < 40 years, and those that had raised deer for < 19 years had higher rates of LD infection than their counterparts. Similarly, those that managed livestock sheds, fed deer, processed industry and prepared compost had higher rates of LD infection. In terms of protective factors, those who did not use protective measures such as wear glasses and masks, or protective gloves and aprons, and those that did not disinfect work instruments and did not shower after work had higher rates of LD than those that used protective measures. In conclusion, preventive health strategies should take into account the profiles of deer farmers at greater risk based on considerations of personal, type of work, and the use of personal protective measures.
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