This state needs your help in identifying cases of a deadly deer disease caused by gnats
Hemorrhagic disease kills deer quickly, and can cause high fever, prompting infected deer to seek water. Deer that die from HD are often found in or near water, the MDC said.
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The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is asking for the public's assistance in reporting cases of a deadly disease that causes a high fever in deer that makes them want to seek water.
It's called hemorrhagic disease (HD), which is a term used for two different viruses: epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and bluetongue (BTV), which are spread to deer through the tiny bite of a gnat.
CANTON, MO- JUNE 19: A deer runs near a field flooded by the Mississippi River June 19, 2008 in Canton, Missouri.
(Joe Raedle / Getty Images)
The department has already received some reports this summer, but requests the public's help so they can understand the extent of the disease.
"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."
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The virus kills deer quickly, and can cause high fever, prompting infected deer to seek water. Deer that die from HD are often found in or near water, the MDC said.
Death can occur within days of infection, though some deer can survive the virus and develop immunity.
There is no cure or vaccine to treat HD, MDC said.
Deer infected with the virus show signs quickly, and it's highly obvious when infected.
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Signs of the virus include:
- Reluctance to move.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Swelling of the head, neck, or tongue.
- Unusual behavior such as appearing dazed or unresponsive.
Two doe, of a herd of 16 whitetail deer, roam the fields of the Wyomissing park system on Monday, November 19, 2018.
(Jeremy Drey/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle / Getty Images)
"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."
Even though HD can severely infect a population of deer, it luckily only takes a few years for the population to recover, MDC said. However, the disease does not have long-term effects on the overall health or sustainability of the Missouri deer herd.
There is no known HD risk to humans.
If you live in Missouri and want to report a deer experiencing symptoms of HD, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website.