LACROSSE, Wis. – A mortal deer disease that overheats and kills the animals has been found in a tissue sample from deer south of LaCrosse, the state wildlife agency reported. The tissue sample was from eight carcasses. The deer had sought to relieve their fevers and thirst in water on the 200-acre property. Although thought to be new in southwest Wisconsin, the disease is not uncommon elsewhere in whitetail deer. Researchers don’t believe the affliction — epizootic hemorrhagic disease, called “HD” — is transmissible to humans, even if they eat the venison. Researchers say that deer catch the disease from tiny flies – called midgets, biting gnats or no-see-ums. Outbreaks usually occur in late summer when seasonal midgets are at its peak. Outbreaks end when the first hard frost kills the midges.
Symptoms
Scientists in Pennsylvania, where HD research has been conducted, say these are symptoms: Excessive salivation, foaming around the nose and mouth, and weakness. Infected deer are unusually approachable by humans. Researchers say there is no remedy for the infection. HD can be spread by transporting infected animals.