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Deadly deer virus in PA | Game Commission asks public to help track it

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 17:17 GMT by WGAL
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Pennsylvania’s First Confirmed Case of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease in Deer

A new and unsettling threat has been identified in the state’s white‑tailed deer population: Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), a viral illness that can kill large numbers of deer in a matter of days. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), confirmed that a deer found in [County] tested positive for the EHD virus, marking the first documented outbreak in Pennsylvania.

What is Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease?

EHD belongs to the Reoviridae family, a group of double‑stranded RNA viruses. The disease is primarily spread by biting midges (Culicoides species) that feed on the blood of infected animals. In deer, the virus can cause acute symptoms—including fever, lethargy, and internal bleeding—that often lead to death within 24 to 48 hours of onset. While the virus can affect other wildlife, it is most notorious for its impact on white‑tailed deer, often resulting in mass die‑offs during late summer and early fall when midges are most active.

Unlike chronic diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) or bovine tuberculosis, EHD typically manifests as an acute, rapidly fatal illness. Nonetheless, its effects on local ecosystems and the hunting economy are significant. Large die‑offs can alter predator‑prey dynamics, reduce the deer population, and create safety hazards on roads and in back‑country hunting areas.

How the Outbreak Was Detected

The first case in Pennsylvania was identified after a hunter reported a deceased deer with characteristic lesions—especially swelling of the face and tongue, a pale and bloated abdomen, and internal hemorrhage—within the county’s eastern region. Wildlife officials collected tissue samples and sent them to the Pennsylvania Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Upon molecular analysis, the samples were positive for the EHDV‑2 strain, a subtype that has previously been detected in the Midwest and Eastern United States.

“This is the first confirmed EHD case in the state, and it is alarming because the virus has the potential to spread rapidly, especially given the prevalence of midges during the warm, humid months,” said Dr. Laura Bennett, a wildlife epidemiologist at the DCNR. “We’re currently working with state and federal partners to monitor the situation closely and to advise hunters and the public on safe practices.”

Implications for the Deer Population and Hunting

The DCNR’s preliminary assessment indicates that the deer population in the affected area may experience a measurable decline in the coming months. While the exact number of deaths has yet to be determined, experts warn that “mass die‑offs” are common in EHD outbreaks. Such die‑offs can leave gaps in the food chain, potentially leading to increased predation by wolves, coyotes, and bears—species that may be forced to seek alternative prey.

From a hunting perspective, the outbreak raises concerns about carcass handling and potential disease transmission to hunters. While EHD is not known to infect humans, the CDC’s guidance on handling potentially infected wildlife remains relevant. Hunters are advised to use protective gloves when handling carcasses, avoid consuming meat from sick or recently dead animals, and to promptly report any suspicious findings to wildlife officials.

The DCNR is reviewing the state’s deer management plan to decide whether to adjust hunting limits or close certain hunting zones temporarily. “We’re evaluating all available data to make an informed decision that protects both wildlife health and the interests of hunters,” Bennett said.

Response and Mitigation Efforts

To curb the spread of EHD, the DCNR is deploying a multi‑layered approach:

1. Enhanced Surveillance: Wildlife officers are increasing field checks in high‑risk areas, especially during peak midge activity (mid‑summer to early fall). Hunters are encouraged to report dead deer promptly via the state’s online portal.

2. Public Awareness Campaign: The DCNR is distributing informational brochures and hosting webinars for hunters, trappers, and the general public. These resources cover symptoms of EHD, how to safely handle carcasses, and when to seek veterinary assistance.

3. Collaboration with Federal Agencies: The state is working with the USDA’s APHIS and the CDC to monitor virus prevalence and to develop strategies that may include targeted insect control measures in heavily affected zones.

4. Research and Testing: The Pennsylvania Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is expanding its testing capacity to quickly identify EHD cases. In addition, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine are studying the virus’s genetic makeup to determine whether this outbreak strain differs significantly from previously identified strains.

5. Contingency Planning: DCNR officials are preparing for potential large‑scale die‑offs by arranging for safe carcass removal and disposal. They are also planning for possible temporary closures of hunting areas to minimize risk to both wildlife and humans.

Looking Ahead

EHD is an endemic disease in many parts of the United States, but Pennsylvania’s first confirmed case marks a significant shift for state wildlife management. The DCNR’s proactive stance—emphasizing surveillance, public education, and collaboration with federal partners—aims to contain the outbreak before it leads to extensive population declines or ecological imbalance.

In the words of Dr. Bennett, “Our goal is to protect our state’s wildlife and hunters through timely detection, transparent communication, and evidence‑based management. We’ll continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust our strategies as new information becomes available.”

The DCNR will issue updates as more data are collected and as the season progresses. Hunters, trappers, and anyone working in wildlife areas are urged to stay informed, report any suspicious wildlife findings, and adhere to best practices for safety and disease prevention.