MDC Asks Public To Report Suspected Hemorrhagic Disease In Deer

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri Department of Conservation is beginning to receive reports of hemorrhagic disease in deer this summer and is asking the public to help officials track the extent of the disease across Missouri.

Hemorrhagic disease, commonly known as HD, is a general term for two related viruses: epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, and bluetongue, or BTV. Both viruses are spread to deer through the bites of tiny, native midges often referred to as "no-see-ums" or gnats.

MDC says reports from the public help wildlife biologists monitor the health of Missouri's deer herd and better understand the effects of the disease in individual areas.

"Hemorrhagic disease is a naturally occurring virus in Missouri's deer population," said MDC Wildlife Health Program Supervisor Brigid Niemeyer. "Outbreaks are most common between July and October and typically end after a heavy frost kills the midges that spread the virus."

Signs of hemorrhagic disease can include reluctance to move, difficulty breathing, swelling of the head, neck or tongue, and unusual behavior, including appearing dazed or unresponsive.

The virus can cause a high fever, which often causes infected deer to seek out water. As a result, deer that die from hemorrhagic disease are frequently found in or near ponds, streams or other water sources.

Death can occur within just a few days of infection. Some deer survive the disease and develop immunity. There is currently no cure or vaccine for hemorrhagic disease.

Although HD can kill deer quickly and its effects can be highly visible during an outbreak, MDC says the disease does not have long-term effects on the overall health or sustainability of Missouri's deer herd. Even following a severe outbreak, the deer population can recover within a few years.

"We care deeply about Missouri deer and deer hunting," Niemeyer said. "By reporting suspected cases of HD, members of the public can help us track where the disease is occurring and how it's affecting deer numbers in specific areas."

Missouri's most severe hemorrhagic disease outbreak occurred in 2012 during an extreme drought. At that time, deer gathered around limited water sources, increasing their exposure to the midges that spread the virus.

MDC is encouraging anyone who sees a deer showing signs of hemorrhagic disease to report the suspected case. Suspected cases can be reported by contacting a local MDC office or speaking with a conservation agent.

MDC also accepts reports online through its Wildlife Health Event Reporting Application.