EHD Outbreak in West Virginia Deer: Key Insights for Hunters
Sometimes Fatal Disease Reported In Deer From 18 W.Va. Counties
West Virginia Public Broadcasting | Wednesday, October 23, 2024
By Jack Walker
West Virginia Public Broadcasting reports that an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) has been detected in deer across 18 counties in West Virginia. Hunters are advised to be vigilant for visibly ill deer, as the disease, while not transmissible to humans, can be fatal to deer. State wildlife officials highlight that while EHD cases have increased, it has been a recurring issue since the 1990s, and usual deer populations bounce back relatively quickly. Reports of EHD can help track its spread, and hunters are encouraged to report sightings of sick or dead deer to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.