Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease threatens local deer population
Photo via June Meehan/Ohio University
For students at Ohio University and residents of Athens, the local deer population is a staple of Athens life. But in recent months, over a thousand deer have been found suffering from an outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease – a fatal disease that has left forests scattered with the corpses of diseased deer.
The disease is caused by the bite of an infected midge – a blood-feasting, fly-like insect that often swarms in clouds near water and can be a nuisance on summer evenings. Outbreaks usually start during late summer and extend into early fall, but transmission ceases completely once the weather turns cold enough for frost to kill the biting midge populations.
Once infected, deer usually develop symptoms about seven days after exposure. The deer may appear disoriented and exhibit pronounced swelling of the head, neck, tongue and eyelids and may also have respiratory distress. Reduced appetite, weakness and decreased or absent fear of humans are also typical. Once symptoms appear, infected deer die quickly – within eight to 36 hours.
EHD is one of the most common diseases of white-tailed deer in the United States, and causes high mortality rates as a result. Historically, deer populations bounce back within a few years. However, this year's outbreak of EHD has been abnormally high. As of Sept. 4, there have been 5269 reports of dead or sick deer in Ohio and 1395 reports in Athens County alone. The last major outbreak of EHD was in 2022, where 1512 sick deer were reported.
Photo via Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Currently, there is no treatment or cure for EHD, and wild deer populations have developed little to no resistance to the disease.
There appears to be no risk to humans who have been exposed directly to the virus or have consumed wild game from infected deer. Still, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources cautions against killing or eating a sick deer. Other illnesses in wild deer can make them unfit for consumption and without testing, it cannot be certain what a sick deer is suffering from.
The City of Athens has released a guide for reporting deceased deer found in the City. The guide advises that residents contact the City of Athens Engineering & Public Works Office for removal of dead deer located on sidewalks or roadsides. The City only removes deer from the public right-of-way, not private property. Residents must manage disposal through bagging for trash, burial, or lime treatment if a deer is found on their property.
The ODNR is asking residents to report their sightings of infected or deceased deer to the State of Ohio, and then report it to the ODNR Wildlife Reporting Form. This will help the state monitor the spread of EHD and evaluate the impacts on deer populations.
Residents can call (800) 945-3543 or email wildinfo@dnr.ohio.gov.