Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD)

As you probably have heard, EHD has once again hit the deer population hard in 2021. While it appears that most of the EHD deaths have been south of us, there are reports of it throughout the state.

Symptoms of HD in deer may include difficulty standing, drooling, lethargy, respiratory distress, emitting foam from the mouth or nose, and swelling of the face, tongue, and neck. Because the disease causes fever, sick or dead deer are often seen in or near water, after drinking or attempting to cool off. Affected deer may also show reduced activity, loss of appetite and develop ulcerations on their tongue.

Even though the weather has cooled and the threat of EHD has diminished, the Wildlife Management Commission wanted to reach out and ask if at any time during your hunting season you have observed any dead deer and/or deer that had any of the above symptoms.

Please respond to this email with the number of deer you suspect may have had EHD and your hunting area.

Thanks very much,

Hillsborough Wildlife Management Commission