The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources reported last week that cases of hemorrhagic disease (HD) are popping up in white-tailed deer across the state, including west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
HD is caused by a group of related viruses and often causes annual outbreaks in clusters of otherwise healthy looking deer. Infected deer are often found near water sources as they seek to cool down from fever.
“The disease is transmitted by biting gnats or midges, resulting in seasonal activity beginning in the late summer and continuing until the first frost kills the insects,” Virginia DWR officials said. “Localized outbreaks can result in dozens of deceased deer being found in one area over a short period of time.”
HD has historically been more common east of the Blue Ridge than west. But Virginia DWR deer project manager Justin Folks said there have been some suspected cases of HD reported west of the Blue Ridge including recently in northern Augusta County. This year’s wet spring, followed by a dry summer, may be to blame because that type of weather pattern sets the stage for high populations of midges, Folks said.
“The drought we’ve experienced around here has likely caused the increase in activity we’re seeing,” Folks said. “As our climate tends to get hotter and drier over the years, HD activity has appeared to be creeping further north in the US, and further west in Virginia.”
Folks said the Virginia DWR has seen HD west of the Blue Ridge for the last three years, but no major outbreaks for several years. Folks said there was an enormous outbreak of the illness in southeast Ohio and northwest West Virginia last year.
So far, no cases have been reported in Rockbridge County, but that could change.
“Part of why we put out that press release was to get folks to report them to us so we can hopefully get fresh samples to test,” Folks said.
The illness does not pose a threat to humans or pets, but some livestock species can contract the virus. Cases in livestock are usually mild.
Officials said deer populations in the midst of an HD outbreak usually bounce back within a few years.
Anyone who observes sick or deceased deer and suspect HD may be the cause, he or she should not attempt to contact, disturb, kill, or remove the animal. They should report the approximate location of the animal to the Wildlife Helpline at (855) 571-9003 or vawildlifeconflict@ usda.gov.
