The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has confirmed an increase in hemorrhagic disease (HD) among white-tailed deer in parts of Middle and West Tennessee.
HD, caused by epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) or bluetongue (BT) viruses, is spread by tiny biting midges. The disease cannot be passed to humans, either through insect bites or by handling or eating venison.
This year’s weather — heavy rains in spring followed by late-summer dry conditions — has created ideal breeding environments for midges, leading to higher risks of outbreaks.
Infected deer may appear weak, feverish, or thin, and symptoms can include swollen tongue, mouth sores, drooling, lameness, and unusual behavior. Sick or dead deer are often found near water. While many deer die from the illness, some recover and develop immunity that helps protect future herds.
So far, HD has been confirmed in deer from:
* Franklin County
* Giles County
* Humphreys County
* Lewis County
* Shelby County
* Sumner County
* Wayne County
* Williamson County
TWRA will continue monitoring the situation. Reports of sick or dead deer can be submitted at http://www.tn.gov/twra/sickdeer.
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