News

IDNR asking for reports of EHD in deer

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is asking hunters and landowners to report potential cases of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in whitetail deer.

EHD is a viral disease transmitted by a midge that hatches in muddy areas. EHD is similar to Blue Tongue and very difficult to tell apart. It causes high fever and can be fatal to deer. EHD is rarely fatal to livestock, but it CAN cause weight loss and lameness. Cattle may experience swollen eyes and ulcers on the mouth, but most recover within a few weeks. It is NOT harmful to humans.

Fifty-five suspected cases in deer have been reported in 17 counties along the Illinois River and in the southern central part of the state so far this year.

EHD has been detected in Illinois for several years, but the disease has not affected a significant number of deer since 403 cases were reported in 2013.

If landowners find dead deer, they are asked to report it to their local DNR office or to the Wildlife Disease and Invasive Species Program.