New York DEC Investigates Deer Wasting Disease

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is tracking the spread of a disease that has been killing deer in the state since at least 2007.

The DEC is asking people who see sick or dead deer to notify them so it can be determined if the deer are suffering from Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, otherwise known as E.H.D. or deer wasting disease.

The viral disease is spread by biting flies called Midges.  Symptoms include fever, bruises in the nose and mouth, swelling of the head, tough, lips and neck.  Deer that are infected may look dehydrated, malnourished or lame.

Cases of E.H.D. have been found to be increasing in the North with cases first recorded in New York in Albany, Rensselaer and Niagara counties in 2007.

Another outbreak was recorded in 2011.  In that incident about 100 deer died.