Deadly deer disease spreads across Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources confirms that Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease is spreading in white-tailed deer statewide. The virus is often fatal to deer and is spread through the bites of tiny flying midges.

While the disease poses no threat to humans, DNR advises hunters not to eat deer that have large, open sores.

EHD is common throughout the eastern United States and occurs in Maryland annually at differing degrees, according to DNR. Confirmed or suspected cases have been documented this year in counties across Eastern Shore, central and southern Maryland, and as far west as Garrett County.

The state’s largest outbreaks are in Carroll, Frederick, and Washington counties, according to the DNR.

“Deer contracting EHD may exhibit symptoms of lethargy, often salivate excessively, and appear to lose their fear of humans. Hemorrhaging or lesions of the mouth and tongue are a typical symptom. Severe emaciation may be seen in animals recovering from the disease. Dead or dying deer found near water in late summer or early fall are a common characteristic of an EHD outbreak,” the department said in a statement.

DNR reports that Maryland has a healthy white-tailed deer population that routinely contracts and recovers from EHD outbreaks.

DNR cautions against confusing EHD with Chronic Wasting Disease, a fatal disease documented in western and central Maryland.

Freezing weather typically kills midges that transmit the virus, ending EHD outbreaks.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo by Matthew Doged, submitted to the 2016 Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.