What is EHD?

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) is one of two forms of Hemorrhagic Disease, Blue tongue Virus (BTV) being the other. EHD was first detected in the 1890s and outbreaks have since become a common reoccurrence in Indiana's deer populations.

While EHD most commonly affects White Tailed Deer, but Mule deer and Pronghorn are also susceptible. Domesticated mammals like cows, goats and sheep are also impacted by EHD an other Hemorrhagic diseases.

Both EHD and BTV are spread through Culicoides midge bites, tiny biting gnats that are commonly called "no-see-ums". The spread is unpreventable, and there are currently no known effective treatments for either disease.

Signs that a deer is infected with EHD or BTV:

• Swelling around the head and neck area.

• An increased respiratory rate and excessive salivation.

• Weakness, wariness and drowsiness.

• Deceased deer with EHD are commonly found in or near bodies of water.

• Infected deer will avoid direct sunlight.

Deceased White-tail suspected to have had EHD or BT

Should you find a deer at Big Oaks that you suspect to be infected, please record the coordinates and report the finding to refuge staff. Should you find a deer elsewhere in Indiana that you suspect to be infected, report the finding to the DNR via their Sick Animal Reporting Form.

Although EHD remains a threat to White Tailed Deer populations on Big Oaks, immunity and survivability rates are high enough so that our heard will likely remain healthy through this hunting season.