PA Game Commission: EHD Outbreak Update: Test Results Confirm EHD In Bea...(unters should consider moving out of tho...),Health

"Also, hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts should take heart in the fact that WMU 2A has good habitat and the deer population will rebound rapidly. Some of the hardest hit areas along the Washington/Greene county line of WMU 2A were hit with the 2002 outbreak. Prior to this year's event, there was no shortage of deer in those same areas, which means that the deer herd rebounded then and they will rebound again."

"While we want to continue to receive reports about dead deer in these townships and counties, we also are very interested in hearing from those who find dead deer in other areas of southwestern Pennsylvania," Cottrell said. "As tissue samples must be extracted within 24 hours of death to be suitable for conducting tests, it is important that we hear from residents as soon as possible."

Dr. Cottrell reminded hunters that EHD cannot be contracted by humans and it is extremely rare for this virus to cause clinical signs in traditional livestock, such as cattle, sheep or goats. However, there is evidence of an EHD outbreak in domestic cattle, both dairy and beef, in southwestern Ohio, while sheep on one of the two farms affected do not seem to be ill. However, farmed deer and elk are susceptible. Anyone who suspects EHD in their livestock should contact their private veterinary practitioner.

"While there is no evidence that humans can acquire this disease, other diseases may be transmitted by careless hygiene when processing deer. As a routine precaution, all hunters are encouraged to wear rubber or latex gloves when handling or field-dressing any animal, and wash their hands and tools thoroughly after field dressing," Dr. Cottrell said. "As with any wild game, meat should always be thoroughly cook
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