New Jersey DEP Seeks Info on Sick Deer

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is asking those who are out in the field at this time of year to be alert for deer that may be affected by Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD). EHD is a common viral disease in deer that is contracted from the bite of a species of midge known as Culiocoides sonorensis. Although no diseased deer have been reported and confirmed this year, outbreaks of the disease typically begin in August and the state has experienced six outbreaks of EHD since 1955.

Deer exhibiting signs of EHD, such as difficulty standing, drooling, emitting foam from the mouth or nose, or dead deer with no apparent wounds observed in or near water should be reported to any one of the following numbers: Office of Fish and Wildlife Health and Forensics: 908- 236-2118; or the Bureau of Wildlife Management: Northern Region, 908-735-7040; Central Region, 609-259-6965; or Southern Region, 609-748-2043.

More information on EHD can be found on the division's website at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/ehd_info.htm