ODW asks for reports of dead/sick deer

The Ohio Division of Wildlife asks you to report sick deer. The agency is seeking reports of dead/sick deer suffering from EHD (Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease) to help the agency track potential disease outbreaks.

If you observe a deer that is behaving abnormally, please report your observations online at https://ow.ly/vIOH50Tvszp

SYMPTOMS

  •  Symptoms vary and usually develop about seven days after exposure.
  •  Deer appear disoriented and show little or no fear of humans.
  •  Animals may appear feverish.
  •  Pronounced swelling of head, neck, tongue and eyelids.
  •  May have respiratory distress.

TRANSMISSION

  •  EHD does not pose a serious threat to livestock.
  •  No risk has been shown to be associated with direct exposure to the virus or in consuming a deer that has been infected with the virus.

To be cautious, never kill or eat a sick deer. Depending on the actual illness, the deer may be unfit for consumption. Without testing, ODW cannot be certain what a sick deer is suffering from. Use rubber gloves to field dress deer.

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