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Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) Found in New York
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If you have not heard, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) has been found in a group of dead whitetails from Albany County. The disease
is transmitted to deer by biting flies or gnats which are usually encountered near water. The symptoms are very similar
to rabies in where the deer will salivate and lose their fear of humans. Additional symtoms are
blood around the nose or eyes,
sores in the mouth, and a swollen blue tongue.
The Pennsylvania Game Commissions
reports that EHD is the most common disease found in whitetail deer in the Eastern US.
It has never been detected in deer in New York before but it does exist in deer in several other States.
Citing sources listed below, the disease can be passed to other animals by these same insects but has never been
known to result in infection. Whitetail deer are the only animal known to be killed or show any sign of infection by EHD.
The disease cannot be transmitted to humans nor can it be transmitted from animal to animal.
All research suggests that EHD has appeared in New York as the result of an extremely warm fall in conjunction with the
drought we are having right now. Once a good frost sets in then the insects that carry this virus should be killed off.
The DEC is asking for your help in reporting potenital cases of EHD in New York and to avoid handling or consumption of
any deer that you suspect may have EHD.
For more information on visit the DEC Website
http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/39052.html
Additional Resources
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