Ask The Biologist

What Does the Future Look Like After HD Disease?

What Does the Future Look Like After HD Disease?

By Bob Humphrey

Question: We in Virginia are going through what some say is hemorrhagic disease. We had suffered a decrease in deer population and see sickly deer with split, fallen-off hoofs and so forth. I was wondering if you could shed any light as to what we can expect in our future. The VDGIF website has given us some information.

Answer:  The VDGIF website does have a very informative page on EHD (epizootic hemorrhagic disease), although it’s a bit outdated. Rather than repeat what they offer, I’ll simply refer readers to it by clicking here.

In 2012, historic drought levels and deer densities combined with two successive years of warmer than average early autumn temperatures to create a sort of perfect storm, and Wildlife disease experts at the University of Georgia’s Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study predicted a substantial HD outbreak in which the Missouri River drainage and the Piedmont region might see their deer herds “get hammered.”

I spoke with Virginia deer biologist Matt Knox shortly after the 2012 outbreak, and at the time he was not aware how widespread its effects were. We have since learned that total deer kills declined in almost 80 percent of the major DMUs, and five units saw declines in the antlered buck kill of more than 20 percent.

The HD outbreak was thought to be a major contributing factor in these declines. Subsequently, it was estimated overall deer declines were around 5 percent or less, although were more pronounced in some areas.

HD occurs in three forms. The peracute form typically kills rapidly — within 1 to 3 days, depending on virulence (strength) of the strain. Deer may exhibit swelling of the eyes, head, lungs neck and tongue.

Deer infected by the acute or “classic” form may live several days longer but will eventually succumb and may exhibit peracute symptoms, more extensive hemorrhaging of internal organs and necrosis of the mouth and digestive system.

Deer often survive the chronic form (which is the more common form in the Southeast), but will show evidence of infection in the way of growth interruptions on the hooves. Survivors also develop immunity to the disease, and it is believed does can pass temporary immunity to their fawns through milk.

In any case, the deer herds will recover in time. Meanwhile, biologists suggest maintaining deer herds at optimum levels — in balance with available habitat — to reduce the likelihood and impact of widespread outbreaks.

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