Hemorrhagic disease reported in deer in Cole, Miller counties

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Conservation announced in a Tuesday press release that “moderate levels” of hemorrhagic disease has been reported in deer in several Missouri counties.

Cases in deer have been confirmed by the MDC in Cole, Miller, Greene, Howell, Webster and St. Louis counties, according to the release. MDC also stated at least 305 reports of “additional suspected cases” have been reported throughout the state. Outbreaks are normal from July through October, according to the release.

Hemorrhagic disease is a general term for epizootic hemorrhagic disease and the bluetongue virus, according to the press release.

The release states that humans are unable to get hemorrhagic disease, so handling and eating meat from deer that have recovered from the disease poses no health hazard.

MDC stated in the release that it would like residents to report suspected cases to WildlifeHeath@mdc.mo.gov, or their local MDC office or conservation agent. The release states that this is the “most significant” outbreak since 2012.

Signs of HD in deer vary but may include an unwillingness to move, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the head, neck, or tongue.

“HD can cause a high fever, prompting infected deer to seek water,” MDC Wildlife Health Program Supervisor Deb Hudman said in the release. “Deer that are sick may appear dazed, lethargic, and nonresponsive. Deer that die from HD usually do so in a matter of days following infection and are often found dead in or near water with no outward signs of illness.”