An increase in hemorrhagic disease (HD) activity among white-tailed deer populations has been reported in parts of Middle and West Tennessee, with eight counties currently impacted. According to a recent announcement by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), confirmed cases have been observed in Franklin, Giles, Humphreys, Lewis, Shelby, Sumner, Wayne, and Williamson counties.
The disease, which can be caused by the epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) virus or bluetongue (BT) virus, isn't transmittable to humans, either through insect bites or by handling or consuming meat from infected deer. However, HD does take a toll on deer populations, with symptoms that range from fatigue and respiratory distress to fever and lameness. Midges, tiny biting insects, are the primary vector for these viruses. Environmental conditions, such as excessive rainfall followed by dry spells, create opportune breeding grounds for these pests to potentially rapidly infect and to spread the disease among deer herds.
Deer suffering from HD may display a number of alarming signs, such as a swollen tongue, open sores in the mouth, and a drooping posture due to fatigue. Deer inflicted with the disease are often found near water sources in their attempts to alleviate fever-induced symptoms. While the condition can be severe and even fatal, deer can recover and develop immunity, which they can pass to future offspring, ensuring the herd's long-term resilience, as reported by TWRA.
Active monitoring by TWRA officials is ongoing, as they keep a close watch on the situation. They urge anyone who encounters sick or dead deer to report their findings to the TWRA via their dedicated reporting system. The window for testing deer that succumb to HD is narrow, with samples needing to be collected within 24 hours post-mortem. As the season progresses and temperatures drop, the first hard frost will eliminate the midges responsible for virus transmission. Until then, infected deer may continue to exhibit symptoms for several weeks.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is committed to the conservation and management of wildlife species, as well as upholding public safety through stringent law enforcement. The ongoing HD incident is being carefully managed by the Agency, and further updates are expected to be provided as information becomes available. Members of the public are encouraged to submit reports of sick or deceased deer through the TWRA's website to contribute to vital surveillance efforts.
