EDH DEER DISEASE ENDS FOR NOW

(11/12/2007)

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), which has likely killed hundreds of deer in Calhoun and in the region, is coming to a halt with cold weather. The disease has also affected a considerable number of cattle in the region, according to long-time vet Joe Cain. Some have died. The insect borne virus is spread by a biting midge that dies with the first killing frost. It is likely hundreds of deer in Calhoun and regional counties have died from the insect-borne disease, said Jeff McCrady, Wildlife Biologist for the Department of Natural Resources in Parkersburg. The disease cannot be transmitted to humans. Deaths from the disease have been reported from Big Springs to Chloe, said DNR officer Tom Fox, who responded to calls about deer being affected. Fox said the deer who die from EHD "Die a terrible death." The disease had not been found in West Virginia cattle since 1993. "This is the fourth outbreak of EHD in 30 years in the Mid-Ohio Valley region," said McCrady. McCrady noted that some deer who contact the disease recover. "They don't always die," he said. No estimate has been given regarding the number of deer and cattle that have been affected.

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