Environment DEC
From the November 2007 issue
Following Detection of EHD in Dead Deer, DEC Seeks Hunter Input on Deer Health
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) requests the assistance of hunters in providing information to DEC about any sick, dying or dead animals they may encounter in the field. This announcement follows the discovery of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in dead deer found in the Voorheesville area of Albany County last month.
Two deer carcasses were delivered to DEC's Wildlife Pathology Laboratory after the remains of about 20 deer were found in proximity to one another in one week. Although the deer were suspected of being infected with EHD, they also were tested for chronic wasting disease, rabies and poisoning. The deer tested positive for EHD, making this the first confirmed detection of the disease in the state. EHD is common in many southeastern states and was reported throughout the mid-Atlantic this summer, but it had not been found in New York State previously.
Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease
EHD does not present a known threat to human health. It is predominantly a disease of white-tailed deer and other deer and is transmitted by a certain type of biting fly called a midge. It mainly affects deer in late summer and fall. When frosts and colder temperatures occur, the flies die and the disease subsides.
Deer become infected with EHD through fly bites
There are several symptoms of EHD, all of which are not necessarily present in an infected deer. They include: swollen head, neck, tongue or eyelids; erosion of the dental pad or ulcers on the tongue; hemorrhaging of the heart, lungs, rumen and intestines, and peeling of hooves and high fever, leading infected deer to sometimes be found near water sources. In states where EHD is commonly found, it has not had a significant negative effect on long-term health of the deer herd, infecting only localized pockets of animals within a geographic area. For more information about EHD, go to www.uga.edu/scwds/index.htm.
Hunters Beware
Sick or dead deer should be reported promptly to DEC at 1-800-TIPP-DEC. Hunters are reminded that they should always take simple precautions when handling or processing deer to protect themselves from exposure to disease. For more information about animal diseases or the Wildlife Pathology Unit, go to http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/261.html.
