17 deer have been found dead in Union County

August 17, 2022 at 7:38 p.m.

By Cassie Garrett-

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), 99 reports of deer found dead or sick in Franklin County have been received, and 17 in Union County.

Also reported:
Decatur County – 9
Ripley County - 7
Henry County - 4
Rush County -43
Wayne County - 16
Union County - 17
Fayette County - 9

The deaths are suspected to be caused by Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and bluetongue virus (BTV). EHD and BTV are viruses that can infect deer. Three samples from deer in Franklin County have been collected and sent to a lab. Results from the lab have confirmed that at least one of the deer tested was positive for EHD. Results of the others are yet to come, but any deer showing the same signs are likely to also be EHD. 

EHD is transmitted by biting midges, known as “no-see-ums,” or gnats that breed and live in small pools of standing water. Signs or symptoms of the disease include not eating, weakness, loss of fear of humans, circling, and other neurological signs. Deer that have died from EHD may have a swollen tongue, eyelids, neck, or head. Neither EHD nor BTV affects humans.

The IDNR needs help monitoring EHD in Indiana. Because EHD affects deer every year on a small, localized scale, it can be challenging to determine if reports are due to a significant outbreak. Therefore, IDNR asks you to report deer that appear to have died of EHD (e.g., found dead near water or exhibit signs listed above) via the online reporting system. Reporting will allow Indiana DNR to develop a baseline level of EHD in the state and help determine when a major outbreak is occurring.

For additional information on EHD or to report a sick or dead animal visit: https://www.in.gov

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), 99 reports of deer found dead or sick in Franklin County have been received, and 17 in Union County.

Also reported:
Decatur County – 9
Ripley County - 7
Henry County - 4
Rush County -43
Wayne County - 16
Union County - 17
Fayette County - 9

The deaths are suspected to be caused by Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and bluetongue virus (BTV). EHD and BTV are viruses that can infect deer. Three samples from deer in Franklin County have been collected and sent to a lab. Results from the lab have confirmed that at least one of the deer tested was positive for EHD. Results of the others are yet to come, but any deer showing the same signs are likely to also be EHD. 

EHD is transmitted by biting midges, known as “no-see-ums,” or gnats that breed and live in small pools of standing water. Signs or symptoms of the disease include not eating, weakness, loss of fear of humans, circling, and other neurological signs. Deer that have died from EHD may have a swollen tongue, eyelids, neck, or head. Neither EHD nor BTV affects humans.

The IDNR needs help monitoring EHD in Indiana. Because EHD affects deer every year on a small, localized scale, it can be challenging to determine if reports are due to a significant outbreak. Therefore, IDNR asks you to report deer that appear to have died of EHD (e.g., found dead near water or exhibit signs listed above) via the online reporting system. Reporting will allow Indiana DNR to develop a baseline level of EHD in the state and help determine when a major outbreak is occurring.

For additional information on EHD or to report a sick or dead animal visit: https://www.in.gov

Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

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