Missouri Department of Conservation asks public to report hemorrhagic disease in deer
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KBSI) – This summer the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reported moderate levels of hemorrhagic disease (HD) activity in the deer population.
MDC confirmed HD in deer in Cole, Greene, Howell, Miller, St. Louis, and Webster counties. They also had 305 reports of additional suspected HD cases from locations throughout the state, according to MDC.
Signs of HD in deer may include unwillingness to move, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the head, neck, or tongue.
Not all deer die from HD and those deer that survive develop immunity. There is no cure or vaccine and there is not much that can be done to prevent the disease. However, reports of deer with HD can help MDC biologists determine the impacts of the disease on deer numbers in specific areas, according to MDC.
Humans can not get HD and consuming meat from deer with the disease has not been a health hazard.
MDC has indicated that there may be an impact on hunting season this year due to the deaths from HD. However, the overall outlook of the season remains good.
Due to the suspected number of HD reports received by MDC, the number of areas that will need to take preventative measures is limited.
MDC asks the public to report suspected cases of HD to a local MDC office, conservation agent, or email information to WildlifeHealth@mdc.mo.gov.
