EHD has been fatally infecting white-tailed deer in PA and other states

The buck on the left was found dead from EHD in western Pennsylvania while the one on the right was found in Ohio. Contributed photos

​EHD, a viral disease that’s often fatal to white-tailed deer, has hit some parts of the country extremely hard this year. Reports of EHD have come from nearby Ohio where 1,000 have been found so far. Even some Michigan deer have contacted the disease.

Here in Pennsylvania, EHD has been confirmed in a handful of counties in the northwestern part of the state reports the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC). In fact, the PGC has investigated reports of dead deer in southwestern and southeastern Pennsylvania where test results are pending. 

The PGC is asking the public to report sick or dead deer, especially if several are found dead in the same area and the cause of death is not apparent such as if a hunting arrow is protruding from it. The PGC can be contacted, 24/7 at 833-742-9453.

Public reports allow the PGC to further investigate and track EHD outbreaks. EHD, or epizootic hemorrhagic disease, is spreading to deer when they are bitten by infected midges, small insects often called “no-see-ums.”

Because EHD is spread by midges, the PGC says it emerges in late summer and remains a threat to deer until temperatures drop and the midges die-off, usually at the first hard frost. But in local areas where EHD is present, deer mortality can be severe. 

So far this year, the PGC says EHD has been detected in the following areas:

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

But EHD is not the only the only deer disease spread by biting midges. The related bluetongue virus (BT), which historically has been less common in Pennsylvania, has similar impacts. Infected deer often develop clinical signs about seven days after infection and die off soon after. Signs include swelling of the face or neck, loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, lameness, respiratory distress, fever and excessive salivation. Some deer survive the initial infection and can develop chronic signs like hoof cracks or overgrowth. 

There is currently no treatment for EHD or BT infections in wild deer, and for diseases spread by insects, wildlife management options are limited. However, local deer populations often rebound within two to three years following an outbreak. 

Fortunately, neither EHD or BT virus has been detected in Pennsylvania elk, as elk are considered less susceptible to infection. 

Both EHD and BT can infect domestic livestock. Reports of sick livestock should be directed to Pennsylvania Dept of Agriculture at 717-772-2852. 
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