The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) has confirmed cases of hemorrhagic disease in white-tailed deer in eight Tennessee counties. The counties affected are Franklin, Giles, Humphreys, Lewis, Shelby, Sumner, Wayne, and Williamson. The disease is naturally occurring in deer and is common in the southeastern United States.
TWRA officials explained that the disease is caused by viruses transmitted by biting midges sometimes called no-see-ums. These viruses are not spread directly from deer to deer. There is no evidence that hemorrhagic disease causes illness in humans either through insect bites or through handling or eating meat from infected deer.
Infected deer may display a variety of symptoms. They may appear thin, drool, or have their tongue hanging from their mouth. Their eyes may seem red and they might lose their fear of people. Sick or dying deer are often found near water as they try to relieve fever symptoms. Not all deer that die from the disease will show visible signs of illness.
The disease tends to occur seasonally. Its severity can vary greatly from year to year. Environmental conditions that affect the midge life cycle often contribute to outbreaks. Midges typically die off when there is a hard frost. Deer that are already infected may continue to show symptoms for several weeks after the frost.
If you come across a sick or dead deer you are asked to report it through the TWRA website. The agency may follow up to collect a sample if the death is recent. Testing must be done within 24 hours of death for it to be viable.