Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) has impacted the deer herd in Wayne, Union, Fayette, and Franklin counties this year. As a result, Indiana DNR has reduced the County Bonus Antlerless Quotas (CBAQ) in these four counties to a maximum of one.
Humans are not at risk for contracting EHD, which is a viral disease that may affect white-tailed deer to some degree every year. It typically occurs during late summer and early fall, and there is evidence that outbreaks can be more severe in years in which there is a wet spring followed by a hot, dry fall. EHD is transmitted by flies commonly known as biting midges, sand gnats, and "no-see-ums."
EHD is often fatal to deer, but some survive the illness. Not every deer in an affected area will contract EHD. One sign that a deer has contracted and survived EHD is evidence of sloughing or breaking on their hooves. Indiana DNR asks that successful hunters use the Deer After Hunt Survey to report the condition of their deer's hooves, including both normal hooves and hooves that show evidence of sloughing or damage.
The DNR monitors for EHD annually. Severe outbreaks rarely occur in subsequent years due to immunity gathered from previous infections. EHD is not believed to have long-term impacts on the deer population.
The effects of the deer harvest and EHD will be evaluated after the deer season and additional changes will be made the next year if necessary.
Anyone that finds a deer that they suspect died of EHD, should report it using the form at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife.
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle