Outbreak of viral deer-killing disease prompts alarm, warning to meat eaters

Oh, deer.

An outbreak of the viral epizootic hemorrhagic disease is killing white-tailed deer in numerous Eastern states, sparking a warning to hunters about the potential dangers of eating infected venison.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has released a statement urging calm after almost 100 cases were clocked across the state in recent weeks.

“Humans are not at risk… from handling or eating the meat of affected deer, but DNR recommends not eating deer that have large, open sores, regardless of the cause,” the organization warned

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, better known as EHD, is common throughout Eastern US states in late summer and fall.

It is caused by a virus transmitted to deer through the bite of tiny flying midges — biting flies often called “no-see-ums” due to their minuscule nature. It causes internal bleeding, breathing problems, swelling around the eyes, and extreme fatigue.

EHD is not transmitted by direct contact between deer and cannot be spread to humans.

Still, this year’s outbreak has caused alarm, with cases also reported in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

No cases of EHD have officially been reported in New York this year. However, the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab reports that “in New York State, outbreaks of EHD have occurred each year since 2020.”

In the early fall of 2020, a large outbreak occurred in the lower Hudson Valley, killing around 1,500 deer, per the organization.