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Darke S.W.C.D.
Ohioans Asked to Report Sick or Dead Deer to Division of Wildlife
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohioans are reminded that Epizootic Hemorrhagic
Disease (EHD) typically affects some white-tailed deer in the late
summer, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
Division of Wildlife. This is not unusual, as EHD is the most common
ailment affecting deer in the eastern U.S., and the disease occurs
annually in the late summer and fall in deer herds across North
America. Ohio has documented some cases of EHD this summer, mostly in
northwest Ohio.
The EHD virus is not infectious to people and is not spread from animal
to animal. It is transmitted by the bite of small insects called
midges, so EHD-associated deaths in deer can occur until the first
frost of the year causes a decline in midge activity. Once infected,
deer show symptoms within five to 10 days, and many deer die within 36
hours of the onset of symptoms. There is little that can be done to
protect wild deer from the virus. Outbreaks of EHD can result in high
deer mortality in some areas but populations typically increase within
a few years.
White-tailed deer, along with mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and
pronghorn antelope are susceptible to the disease. Deer infected with
this virus may show symptoms including lethargy, head hung down, loss
of fear of humans, swelling of the tongue and head and neck, difficulty
breathing, and excess salivation. Affected deer are often found in or
near bodies of water, likely because of fever and dehydration.
People should always avoid touching or handling sick or dead wild
animals. Sightings of sick or dead deer should be reported at
wildohio.gov/reportwildlife, your local Ohio wildlife officer, or
wildlife district office.
For more information about EHD visit wildohio.gov.
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