The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is receiving reports of hemorrhagic disease (HD) in Missouri deer this summer and is asking the public to help track the spread of the virus by reporting suspected cases.
HD is a general term for two related virusesepizootic hemorrhagic disease and bluetonguethat are transmitted to deer through the bite of a tiny, native midge, often called a “no-see-um” or “gnat.”
Although MDC does not expect a major outbreak this year, biologists say every report is valuable in helping them monitor deer health and measure the impacts of the disease.
“Hemorrhagic disease is a naturally occurring virus in Missouri’s deer population,” said MDC Wildlife Health Program Supervisor Deb Hudman. “Outbreaks are most common between July and October and typically end after a heavy frost kills the midges that spread it.”
Signs of HD
Infected deer may show several symptoms, including reluctance to move, difficulty breathing, swelling of the head, neck, or tongue, or unusual behavior such as appearing dazed or unresponsive. Because the disease can cause high fever, deer often seek water, and animals that die from HD are frequently found in or near ponds, creeks, or rivers.
Death can occur within days of infection, though some deer survive and build immunity. There is currently no cure or vaccine.
Impact on Deer Populations
Despite its sudden and sometimes dramatic impact, HD does not pose long-term threats to Missouri’s deer population. Even after severe outbreaks, deer numbers generally rebound within a few years.
“We care deeply about Missouri deer and deer hunting,” Hudman added. “By reporting suspected cases of HD, members of the public can help us track where the disease is occurring and how it’s affecting deer numbers in specific areas.”
Missouri’s most severe HD outbreak occurred in 2012 during an extreme drought, when deer concentrated around limited water sources, increasing their exposure to infected midges.
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