Missouri Investigates How Widespread a Killer Deer Disease Is

The Missouri Department of Conservation is looking for answers as reports have come rolling in about deer dying in the state. They are trying to determine if these are isolated cases or if there's a bigger issue.

I just received a press release from the Missouri Department of Conservation asking for your help in determining how widespread hemorrhagic disease is in deer herds across the state. They say that there have been numerous reports sent to them over the summer months of deer die-offs.

How can you tell if a deceased deer has been killed by this disease?

Missouri state authorities say that hemorrhagic disease causes a high fever which results in deer seeking water sources. They say that if you see a deceased deer in water, that's likely the result of this disease.

How is hemorrhagic disease spread among deer herds in Missouri?

The disease is spread by midges (aka gnats) that carry epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and bluetongue (BTV). Those gnats tend to be more prominent near water sources which is why drought years have seen the biggest uptick in this deer disease because of herds gravitating toward the limited water sources.

“We care deeply about Missouri deer and deer hunting,” Niemeyer said. “By reporting suspected cases of HD, members of the public can help us track where the disease is occurring and how it’s affecting deer numbers in specific areas.”