EHD OUTBREAK UPDATE: TEST RESULTS CONFIRM EHD IN BEAVER COUNTY
Dr. Walter Cottrell, Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife veterinarian, today announced that the test result from an adult female deer has confirmed that epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) has been found in Beaver County.
"This outbreak of EHD is more significant than the one in 2002, as it occurred earlier in the year and has impacted more deer in a larger area," Dr. Cottrell said. "In addition, the fact that we are finding EHD earlier this year means that it will take longer before the first good frost, which is what is needed to kill the insects responsible for spreading the virus.
"Though difficult to determine the precise number of deer that have died due to EHD because of the rapid decomposition of dead deer, we have our officer's observations and those of concerned citizens that suggest that the number is in excess of 1,000 animals at this time and could increase. Rapid decomposition of affected deer and the large area that is affected will continue to make an actual body count impractical."
Dr. Cottrell noted that additional samples from deer found dead in Allegheny, Beaver, Cambria, Washington and Westmoreland counties have been submitted for testing. Residents with information about other sick or dead deer are urged to contact the Southwest Region Office at 724-238-9523.
For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission - State Wildlife Management Agency website:
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=11&Q=172427
