WHITE TAIL DEER ARE DYING FROM EHD

(09/19/2007)

Test results confirm a state-wide outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in the deer population. Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Hancock, and Wayne Counties have all tested positive for the disease in localized areas. EHD is usually found further south and is not uncommon in Southeast states. In ten years, the disease has only spread to West Virginia twice, in 2002 and 1995. EHD is a viral disease caused by a biting midge, a small flying insect, and is usually fatal for deer. More than 70 percent of deer bit by an infected midge die from EHD. Steve Rouch, of the Division of Natural Resources, says only mother nature can stop this disease. "It will continue until we get the first killing frost, when the biting midge is killed by cold weather," he said. The disease strikes in late summer and early fall, right before deer hunting season. Hunters need not worry. "There is no human health concern with this disease, it is strictly found in deer. The deer harvested will be safe to eat," Rouch said. An outbreak could wipe out up to 20 percent of the population. The Division of Natural Resources says EHD has nothing to do with the Chronic Wasting Disease that was found several years ago in Hampshire County.

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