News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2002

GALLIA, MEIGS AND VINTON COUNTY DEER
POSSIBLY IMPACTED BY COMMON DEER VIRUS
State animal health officials stress outbreak not related to Chronic Wasting Disease
COLUMBUS, OH - State wildlife officials reported today a localized outbreak of what is suspected to be a common white-tailed deer disease in four townships in Gallia, Meigs and Vinton counties. As many as 200 deer may have been affected by the outbreak.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture's Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Reynoldsburg reported that preliminary tests indicate a strong likelihood that epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is the source of the illnesses. Results are due next week.

State wildlife officials stress to those planning on hunting in these areas this fall that although this disease does not affect humans nor impact the safety of consumed deer, hunters should report deer that appear to be sick or diseased to their local wildlife officer. Deer that do not appear to be healthy should not as a rule be taken for human food.

State animal health officials stressed that the outbreak is not related to Chronic Wasting Disease.

White-tailed deer contract epizootic hemorrhagic disease from the bite of gnats which live near water. The onset of cold weather suppresses the disease and frosts drive the gnats into winter inactivity.

“This disease occurs annually in deer herds across North America,” said Pat Ruble, wildlife management and research administrator for ODNR’s Division of Wildlife. “This year’s hot and dry weather conditions caused animals to congregate near water supplies, setting the stage for this outbreak.”

The disease is not spread from deer to deer or from deer to humans. Once infected, deer show symptoms within five to 10 days. Infected deer initially lose appetite and fear of man, grow progressively weaker, often salivate excessively and become unconscious. Many deer die within 36 hours of the onset of symptoms.

According to the University of Georgia's annual Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, epizootic hemorrhagic disease is the most common ailment affecting deer in the Eastern United States. Outbreaks of the disease have occurred in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and West Virginia. Suspected cases occurred in Ohio in Greene County in 1997 and in Muskingum County in 1980. The disease is common in portions of the northern Great Plains and the Southeastern United States. It was first identified in 1955 in New Jersey.

White-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope are susceptible to epizootic hemorrhagic disease. Domestic cattle and other livestock are generally not at risk. Livestock owners finding animals with similar symptoms are advised to contact their veterinarians.

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For additional news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at Ohiodnr.com

For Further Information Contact:
Pat Ruble, ODNR Wildlife Management
(614) 265-6327
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882

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We in WV have had outbreaks of this disease for years, although the DNR will tell you just the opposite. I even had our goober outdoor writer tell me the huge die off as due to doe season. The epizootic hemorhagic disease will wipe up to 2/3 of a population out in an area, and do it quick too.