EHD Virus Found in Lorain County's Deer Is Not Infectious To People
The Ohio Department of Agriculture has found epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in white-tail deer in Lorain County. The EHD virus is not infectious to people and is not spread from animal to animal. EHD is caused by the bite of an infected midge and once there has been a hard freeze, the insects die off for the winter, eliminating new cases of EHD. Once infected, deer show symptoms within five to ten days and many deer die within 36 hours of the onset of symptoms. Symptoms vary depending on virulence of the virus and resistance of the deer. Deer will appear disoriented and show little or no fear of humans.
While EDH does not affect humans or pets, nor impact the safety of consumed deer meat, it is advised that people should avoid touching or handling sick or dead wild animals. Any sightings of sick or dead deer should be directed to Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife at 1-800-WILDLIFE. For more information and complete news release, see below. You may also visit the ODNR Division of WIldlife for more information regarding EHD.
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