Jennifer Moonsong
WCLU News Director
It’s deer season, and with hunters out in droves the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife warns that hemorrhagic disease is on the rise in the Bluegrass State.
You may be asking yourself, “what is hemorrhagic disease?”
Hemorrhagic disease, also called HD, is caused by two primary viruses that show up in deer and other woodland mammals; Bluetongue Virus and the Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease virus. These diseases are easily transmitted by small, biting flies that harass deer herds.
With the recent uptick, officials ask that hunters be aware of the signs of the disease. If you see large scale die-off of herds or find deer dead near streams, ponds or creeks, or see deer that are apparently sickly, they ask that you contact them by calling 1-800-858-1549. There is also an online portal for reports, at fw.ky.gov
Hemorrhagic Disease occurs frequently, but its severity and distribution are highly variable. Past occurrences have ranged from a few scattered cases every year or two, to dramatic regional or statewide outbreaks every 5-10 years. The last record year for the disease was 2017.
