Hemorrhagic disease in deer pose a problem for hunters

Key Points:

• The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has received reports of hemorrhagic disease (HD) in white-tailed deer this summer, a viral illness caused by Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease virus and bluetongue virus.
• HD is transmitted by tiny biting flies called midges and causes symptoms such as fever, swelling of the head and neck, weakness, and rapid death within 8 to 36 hours; there is no treatment or vaccine available.
• The MDC urges the public to report suspected HD cases to help monitor the disease's spread and impact on deer populations, which typically recover within a few years after outbreaks.
• HD outbreaks are most common between July and October and usually end after a heavy frost kills the midges; the most severe outbreak in Missouri occurred in 2012 during a drought when deer concentrated near limited water sources.
• To report suspected cases, people can contact local MDC offices, conservation agents, or use the MDC’s online Wildlife Health Event Reporting Application.