Updated

Updated · WSLS 10 · Sep 1

Virginia DWR Reports Numerous Suspected Deer HD Cases as Outbreaks Usually Fade With Cold Weather

Updated

Updated · WSLS 10 · Sep 1

Virginia DWR Reports Numerous Suspected Deer HD Cases as Outbreaks Usually Fade With Cold Weather

Q: How can wildlife officials quickly distinguish this seasonal illness from chronic wasting disease when investigating dead deer?

Wildlife officials can usually sort out hemorrhagic disease from chronic wasting disease quickly by looking at the pattern of deaths, the season, and the condition of the animal, then confirm with lab testing if needed. HD is typically a fast, late-summer to early-fall event tied to biting midges. Deer are often found suddenly dead in good body condition, frequently near ponds, creeks, or other water because feverish animals seek water to cool down. Clusters of dead deer in one area, swollen head or neck, breathing trouble, salivation, foaming, oral lesions, or severe lameness all fit HD. CWD usually looks very different in the field. It is a slow, year-round prion disease, not a seasonal insect-borne outbreak. Affected deer more often show long-term decline: marked weight loss, poor body condition, drooping ears or head, stumbling, neurologic problems, excessive drinking or urination, and abnormal behavior over weeks or months. Officials do not expect sudden clusters of otherwise healthy-looking deer found dead near water from CWD. That said, appearance alone cannot definitively diagnose CWD. If a carcass does not clearly fit the classic HD pattern, or if it is in a known surveillance area, officials would collect tissues for laboratory testing. CWD is confirmed through tests on brainstem and lymph nodes, while HD/EHD is confirmed through viral testing of fresh tissues. In practice, the field clues allow a quick working diagnosis, and the lab settles uncertain cases.

3 articles · Updated · WSLS 10 · Sep 1

Virginia wildlife officials said they have received numerous reports of sporadic deer deaths consistent with hemorrhagic disease, with cases often found in deer discovered dead in ponds or creeks.
HD is caused by related viruses typically spread by biting gnats or midges; infected deer may show fever, swollen head and neck, breathing trouble and severe lameness.
The disease is more common in the Southeast, especially east of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, and localized outbreaks can temporarily reduce deer populations before they usually rebound within a few years.
Humans and pets are not considered at risk, though ruminant livestock can contract the viruses; officials still advised against handling or eating deer that appear sick.
No preventive measures are available, and the agency said outbreaks often end when cold weather arrives.