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Disease cause of dead deer in area
(by Joan Demirjian - September 27, 2012)
Disease cause of dead deer in area
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
The appearance of deer killed by cars along the roadway isn’t unusual. What is unusual is that deceased white-tailed deer are showing up elsewhere in southwest Geauga County.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio Department of Agriculture are attributing many of those deaths to an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease.
The deer contract the disease from biting midges, which live near water. It’s not spread from deer to deer or from deer to humans. It’s the most common ailment affecting deer in the eastern United States.
Geauga County was one of the first counties to report a deer death in Ohio this year, according to Scott Peters, wildlife management supervisor for Ohio Department of Natural Resources in Northeast Ohio. Seven other counties have confirmed outbreaks of the disease.
In Geauga, reports have come in from Bainbridge, Newbury, Munson and Auburn townships, Mr. Peters said. A report of a dead deer near the Aurora branch of the Chagrin River was made last week in Bainbridge. A township resident reported a deer found on Haskins Road and also near Crackel Road.
While the disease is relatively common in the United States, it’s more so farther south. “We’re in the northern extremes,” he said of the typical range. “Last year, it didn’t affect the northern-most states.”
Most of the local cases this year are from south and central Geauga.
The deer that don’t die build up an immunity, which is happening in the southern areas, according to Mr. Peters. It affects other hoofed animals, including sheep and cattle.
Once infected, deer show symptoms within five to 10 days. Infected deer initially lose appetite and fear of man. They grow weak, salivate excessively and become unconscious, according to ODNR information. Many deer die within 36 hours of the onset of symptoms and often are found near water.
Cases are confirmed through blood samples. Often times, people come upon decomposed carcasses while walking or hunting.
When a large number of deer are found, especially near water, there is a good chance the midge is involved. The last serious outbreak was in 2007 and 2008, Mr. Peters said.
“We had some southern counties affected. This year, most of the outbreaks are from the northern counties. We’re at the northern edge of the right environmental conditions,” he said, adding that this year’s drought aided the disease.
So far, the most reports have been from Hudson in Summit County, Mr. Peters said.
State wildlife officials are asking hunters this fall to report to their local wildlife officer any deer that appear to be sick or diseased. Deer that appear unhealthy should not be taken for human food. Those who see a dead deer can report it at 800-wildlife.
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