Published: August 02, 2008 10:59 pm      

JOE GORDEN | Keeping a close eye on EHD

It was about this time last year that the Pennsylvania Game Commission announced confirmation that epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) had killed more than 100 deer in Greene and Washington counties, where it had also been found in 2002.

By the time last summer ended, western Pennsylvania’s known death toll had climbed tenfold, the unknown mortality was likely much greater, and the disease had spread into Cambria, Fayette, Allegheny, Beaver, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

EHD also had killed livestock in several counties, including Somerset, and was found in both deer and domestic animals in other states.

So far, there is no indication that it has come back this summer.

“We haven’t had any reports yet in the Southwest Regional Office,” game commission regional biologist Samara Trusso said. “I haven’t seen anything on any of the wildlife health newsletters in the southern states, where it is common and occurs every year, and I’m not particularly surprised by that. We’ve had so much rain.”

EHD is spread by the bite of midges – tiny insects – and usually kills a deer within five to 10 days. It does not affect people.

Last year, officials speculated that hot, dry weather had created perfect conditions for the midges that spread EHD, and said the disease would disappear with the first heavy frosts.

Unfortunately, they didn’t come until November, and deer populations in many areas had taken a severe beating by that time.

This year, deer are reportedly recovering in many of those areas, and Trusso said the weather seems less favorable to the midges.

“It’s been relatively cooler,” she said. “We’ve had hot days, but we haven’t had that same, scorching heat combined with drought. I think, by this time last year, the governor had declared a drought.”

Trusso said the hot, dry weather helped spread EHD not only because it produced a lot of midges, but because it also caused deer to congregate around available watering areas. Although EHD does not spread through animal-to-animal contact, a lot of deer in one place makes easy targets for insect swarms.

This summer, deer can find water almost anywhere, and the midges don’t have the heat they like.

But, that hasn’t made game commission personnel complacent. While they’re glad EHD hasn’t appeared, they’re on the lookout for it.

“I would encourage anyone who thinks they may have something to report, particularly in Greene, Washington and Fayette counties, where we saw the bulk of mortality last year, to get in touch with us,” Trusso said. “We can’t do anything without the eyes of the public.”

Symptoms of EHD in live deer are excessive drooling, emaciation, weakness and a loss of fear of humans.

Tests on dead deer must be conducted on samples taken within 24 hours of death. Suspected cases should be reported to the Southwest Region office at 724-238-9523.

Meanwhile, Trusso said “Keep your fingers crossed.”



Joe Gorden is the outdoors writer for The Tribune-Democrat.