ALBANY – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is asking hunters to report deer who they think are infected by Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease.
According to the DEC, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease is a viral disease of whitetail deer. It cannot be contracted by humans and cannot be spread from deer to other animals.
The disease has been confirmed in portions of the state, with so far around 750 reports of dead deer due to this disease.
The DEC says, although the current outbreak seems to be concentrated in the lower Hudson Valley, it may have spread elsewhere.
They say the disease is carried by small biting bugs. Symptoms in deer include fever, hemorrhage in muscles or organs and swelling of the head, neck, tongue and lips.
A deer that is infected may also look lame or dehydrated. Once infected with the disease, deer usually die within 36 hours. They’re often found near a water source.
The DEC advises hunters to not handle or eat any deer that appears sick or acts strangely.
Leave a Reply