Outbreak Of Deer-Killing Disease Sparks Concern: What Hunters Need To Know

An outbreak of a deer-killing disease has spread across numerous Eastern states, causing widespread panic. Here are the things that hunters and meat eaters should know.

The Details: After numerous confirmed cases of this deer-killing disease across the state of Maryland, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources released a statement regarding the matter. In that statement, they provided the following details:

• The deer-killing disease is known as Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD).
• EHD is caused by “a virus that is transmitted to deer through the bite of tiny flying midges (“no-see-ums).”
• A deer that is infected with this virus will usually present with symptoms. Those symptoms can include “visible sores and secondary infections.”

The Main Symptoms: If a deer has EHD, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources shares that these are some of the symptoms they may exhibit.

• Lethargy
• Excessive salivation
• Loss of fear of humans
• Hemorrhaging or lesions of the mouth and tongue
• Severe emancipation
• Dead or dying deer found near water in late summer or early fall.

Is This Deer-Killing Disease A Risk To People?

Given the list of alarming symptoms, it is natural for hunters and meat-eaters to be concerned. Luckily, there is a sliver of good news. In their statement, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources addresses the implications of this viral disease on human health.

• They write, “Humans are not at risk…from handling or eating the meat of the affected deer, but DNR recommends not eating deer that have large, open sores, regardless of the cause.”

Additionally, they share that the disease is not transmitted by direct contact between the deer and cannot be spread to humans. Furthermore, humans have nothing to fear from the insects that cause EHD in white tail deer.

• The department shared, “Humans are not at risk of being bitten by infected midges or form handling or eating the meat of affected deer.”
• Nevertheless, they reiterate their warning of not consuming any deer that have large, open sores.