OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife is asking residents to report sick deer to help track potential outbreaks of an illness known as epizootic hemorrhagic disease.
EDH is a common viral disease that affects white-tailed deer, and it's usually transmitted by biting midges, according to ODNR. The disease often results in death, but some deer survive and can develop immunity.
As of now, there is no treatment for EDH in deer. They die around three days after contracting the disease, ODNR said.
While EDH doesn't pose a serious threat to livestock or people, ODNR said reporting sick deer it helps them keep track of the population around the state. Although it may not affect people, ODNR warned Ohioans to never eat potentially sick deer anyways.
Symptoms of EDH in deer include:
- Appearing disoriented and show little or no fear of people
- Looking feverish
- Swelling of head, neck, tongue and eyelids
- A hard time breathing
To report potentially sick deer, ODNR has a form on its website that can be filled out.
As of Sept. 24, officials have confirmed cases of EDH in central Ohio, as well as parts of northeast and northwest Ohio.
For more information on EDH, click here.