PA Game Commission: EHD Outbreak Update: Test Results Confirm EHD In Bea...(ed. EHD is a common but sporadic dis...),Health

EHD is a common but sporadic disease in white-tailed deer populations of the United States, and is contracted by the bite of insects called "biting midges." In more northern states, such as Pennsylvania, EHD occurs less often and the deer are less able to mount an effective immune response. The virus usually kills the naive animal within five to 10 days. It is not spread from deer to deer by contact. While EHD is not infectious to humans, deer displaying severe symptoms of EHD are usually not suitable for consumption because of the rapid deterioration of the meat and secondary bacterial infection.

Dr. Cottrell stressed that even though some EHD symptoms are similar to those of chronic wasting disease (CWD) - such as excessive drooling, weakness and a loss of fear of humans - there is no relationship between EHD and CWD.

"However, because these diseases coexist, all of the deer that are submitted are being tested for CWD," Dr. Cottrell said. "It also is worth noting that like CWD, EHD is one of those diseases that can be amplified by anything that serves to congregate deer, such as supplemental feeding, and placement of salt or mineral blocks. While the disease is not spread from deer to deer through contact, congregating animals through feeding does make transmission easier by allowing midges greater access to a larger number of animals in a more confined area. Therefore, such feeding activities should be discontinued immediately."

Cottrell also pointed out that the EHD outbreak should end with the onset of colder weather, which will kill the insects that spread the disease. He noted that EHD, unlike CWD, is a seasonal disease and agreed that the affected local deer herd will rebound quickly.

"The good news from this situation is that the public is reporting these sightings to the Game Commission," Cottrell said. "Should the state's deer herd be infected with more serious diseases, the Game Commission will need to rely on the
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