Disease reports are on the rise among white-tailed deer in Tennessee, with confirmed cases in eight counties.
TWRA Biologist Dr. Adam Edge said most of those reports have come from areas west of the Upper Cumberland, but there have been a handful of reports in the region. Edge said the viral disease is transmitted through midges, and it can not be spread from deer to deer.
“Now, if you notice there is any type of secondary bacterial infection, anything regarding that, you could probably take a little caution as far as eating, consuming the meat,” Edge said. “But the virus itself does not affect humans.”
Edge said hemorrhagic disease comes around every fall. Edge said it can be characterized by dead deer near water, as feverish conditions caused by the virus tend to make deer thirsty. Edge said TWRA relies on hunters for sick deer reports, which can be made online.
Edge said deer may experiece other symptoms such as drooling, a swollen tongue, or neurological issues.
Edge said the disease frequency is determined by midge populations. Edge said the warm, wet conditions from the spring and summer have created good midge breeding conditions.
“There may be a lower immunity level out there to the specific type of virus that is circulating,” Edge said. “So this year, versus others, there may be a little more mortality that we’re keeping track of.”
Edge said since midges are the sole carrier of this virus, there is little that can be done to prevent it from spreading. Edge said widespread die offs of white tailed deer may appear alarming, but the population is resilient.
“Past experiences and studies of this disease for decades show that populations do recover,” Edge said. “And they can actually pass on immunity to the next generation through milk consumption of the fawns next year. So typically, breakouts do not come up in successive years.”
Edge said the disease is common this time of year, and some years are worse than others. Edge said this is a natural occurrence, and alarm is mostly sparked by widespread deer carcass sightings.
Edge said the TWRA can confirm cases if a reported carcass is tested within 24 hours of death. Edge said tissue samples can be taken to a lab to confirm what caused the deer to die.
