HARRISBURG -- EHD, a viral disease that’s often fatal to white-tailed deer, has hit some parts of the country extremely hard this year.
In Pennsylvania, EHD has been confirmed in a handful of counties in the northwestern part of the state. But the Game Commission also has investigated reports of dead deer in southwestern and southeastern Pennsylvania, where test results are pending.
The public is encouraged to report sick or dead deer, especially if several are found dead in the same area and the cause of death is not apparent. The Pennsylvania Game Commission can be contacted, round the clock, at 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453).
Public reports allow the Game Commission to further investigate and track EHD outbreaks.
EHD, or epizootic hemorrhagic disease, is spread to deer when they are bitten by infected midges, small insects often called “no-see-ums.” Because EHD is spread by midges, it emerges in late summer and remains a threat to deer until temperatures drop and the midges die off, usually at the first hard frost. But in local areas where EHD is present, deer mortality can be severe.
So far this year, EHD has been detected in:
- Butler County, Muddy Creek Township
- Erie County, Mill Creek Township
- Lawrence County, Slippery Rock Township
- Mercer County, Liberty and Shenango townships
EHD is one of two viruses spread by biting midges that cause hemorrhagic disease in Pennsylvania deer. The related bluetongue virus (BT), which historically has been less common in Pennsylvania, has similar impacts. Infected deer often develop clinical signs about seven days after infection and die soon after. Signs include swelling of the face or neck, loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, lameness, respiratory distress, fever and excessive salivation. Some deer survive the initial infection and can develop chronic signs like hoof cracks or overgrowth.
There is currently no treatment for EHD or BT infections in wild deer, and for diseases spread by insects, wildlife management options are limited. However, local deer populations often rebound within two to three years following an outbreak.
Neither EHD or BT has been detected in Pennsylvania elk, and elk are considered less susceptible to infection.
Both EHD and BT virus can infect domestic livestock. Reports of sick livestock should be directed to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852.