MDC Monitoring Hemorrhagic Disease in Missouri Deer

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking the public to report suspected cases of hemorrhagic disease in deer this summer.

Hemorrhagic disease, or HD, includes two related viruses spread by biting midges and is most common between July and October. Wildlife Health Program Supervisor Deb Hudman says while a large outbreak is not expected this year, public reports help biologists track deer health. Signs of HD include swelling of the head or neck, difficulty breathing, and unusual behavior. Deer that die from the disease are often found near water.

MDC notes the disease is not harmful to people and Missouri’s deer population typically rebounds after outbreaks.