monsterbucks2011

does anybody know any thing about the diseases that are killing a lot of deer here in the midwest.

andy da animal

you need to be a bit more specific, but CWD, (cronic wasting disease) is in some states in the midwest and is spreading realitively fast! they are doing a really good job of keeping it under control here in Illinois! There was i think 6 cases found in Northern Illinois in 2005 and only been 26 found so far and it is still in the same 4 or 5 counties! but i know some states arent doing so well in containment! i have Heard bout Blue toung (sp) but dont know anything about it nor if its in the midwest!

Sarah L. B.

It's probably Hemorrahagic Disease (virus) or blue tounge (actually of the same genus but are genetically distinct). It's caused by infected midges (small flys) that feed on the deer's blood. It has multiple symptoms that include swollen neck, tounge, head, lesions, depression of appetite, fever, respriratory distress, and reduced activity. The deer are frequently found near water where they are usually in an emanciated state.
I'm from western Ky and the deer populations have been hit pretty hard (from what I've heard) by the Hemorrhagic disease. The disease occurs annually around the southeast & midwest, however is scattered and of variable intensities. I looked at a distribution map and its found southeast, midwest, upper midwest, and very scatteredthroughout the western states. Deer seem to have at least some protection by the way of anti-bodies, but that doesn't always help (as seen).

Anyway, I hope this information helps.

Sarah