Hunting News

Public asked to report sick or dead deer

Public asked to report sick or dead deer

By Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Although the deer population in Nebraska has been healthy and the 2015 harvest resulted in near-record numbers, as hunters go afield this September, they are asked to report their observations of sick or dead deer.
Few cases of sick deer have been reported so far this year. However, incidences of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) are suspected in Cedar County in northeastern Nebraska, where approximately 15 dead deer have been recently discovered.

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks recently confirmed a white-tailed deer with EHD in the southeastern part that state. Commission staff will continue to collect samples for testing and confirming cause of the death.

EHD has occurred in the state since the 1970s, peaking in 2012. EHD normally occurs in late August to early September, when hot and dry conditions exist. Because the disease is spread by biting insects, it usually does not persist beyond the first frost.

The disease poses little threat to cattle and no problem for humans. Deer killed by EHD often are found near water to counteract fever and sometimes show evidence of bleeding from the eyes, nose or mouth.

More information about EHD and other wildlife diseases can be found here.

The Commission will continue to track and test deer for diseases throughout the fall.

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