Pennsylvania Game Commission reports deadly deer disease

(WHTM) — The Pennsylvania Game Commission said it detected a viral disease fatal to white-tailed deer in the state.

EHD, or epizootic hemorrhagic disease, spreads to deer when they are bitten by infected midges, also called “no-see-ums.” The disease emerges in late summer and remains a threat usually until the first hard frost, when the midges die off, the commission said.

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EHD has been detected in:

Muddy Creek Township, Butler County
Mill Creek Township, Erie County
Slippery Rock Township, Lawrence County
Liberty and Shenango townships, Mercer County

Test results are pending for dead deer in southwestern and southeastern Pennsylvania.

Deer mortality can be severe in local areas where EHD is present, the commission said. The disease can infect domestic livestock and Pennsylvania elk. However, elk are considered less susceptible to infection.

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The commission asked the public to report sick or dead deer to 1 (833) 742-9453. Sick livestock should be reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at (717) 772-2852.

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