The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has announced a notable rise in cases of hemorrhagic disease (HD) affecting white-tailed deer in certain areas of Middle and West Tennessee. This disease, which is linked to the epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and bluetongue (BT) viruses, is transmitted by biting midges and poses no threat to human health. Recent laboratory confirmations have identified infected deer in several counties, including Franklin, Giles, Humphreys, Lewis, Shelby, Sumner, Wayne, and Williamson. Additionally, reports of sick and deceased deer in these regions align with the symptoms associated with the disease.
Deer exhibiting signs of HD may show a range of symptoms, such as fatigue, respiratory issues, a swollen tongue, sores in the mouth, fever, sloughing of hooves, excessive drooling, and an unusual lack of fear towards humans. It is common to find affected deer near water sources, although not all individuals displaying the disease will show visible signs of illness. The occurrence of HD outbreaks is often linked to environmental factors that promote the breeding of midges, particularly wet springs followed by dry conditions in late summer. Fortunately, deer that recover from the disease can develop immunity, which may help lessen the impact of future outbreaks.
The TWRA is actively monitoring the situation and urges the public to report any sightings of sick or dead deer. Reports can be submitted through their website at https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/twra/sickdeer.html. It is important to note that samples for testing must be collected within 24 hours of the animal’s death. The TWRA is dedicated to managing and safeguarding wildlife populations while also promoting public safety through law enforcement and educational initiatives.