“Our Wildlife Conservation Officers, Land Managers and other field staff have been on the look out for evidence of EHD in wild deer,” Dr. Cottrell said.  “We urge anyone finding dead deer or sick deer to contact our region offices with specific information.

“Fortunately, temperatures throughout much of the state, including the southwestern portion of the state, have dipped into the low 30’s and upper 20’s, and there is a possibility of snow in the forecast for this week in certain elevations. If the temperatures hold this low, it is expected to kill the insects that are spreading the EHD virus and the infection of new deer will stop and we can finally look forward to the end of this outbreak.”

To provide the public with more information about EHD, the agency has posted an “EHD Update” page on its website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).  The website also chronicles the agency’s news releases issued about this outbreak since Aug. 27.

“This outbreak of EHD is more significant than the one in 2002 and has impacted more deer in a larger area,” Dr. Cottrell said.  “The fact that we found EHD in early August means that the disease has had the opportunity to be active longer this time prior to the first good frost, which is what is needed to kill the insects responsible for spreading the virus.

“Reports of dead or dying deer are important to us.  Though an actual body count of afflicted deer is almost impossible to obtain, because of the rapid decomposition and the area where the outbreak is occurring is large, we still value these reports.  Also, tissue samples must be extracted within 24 hours of death to be suitable for conducting tests.  That is why it is so important that we hear from residents as soon as possible after they find a suspect deer.”

Dr. Cottrell noted that, while there is no evidence that humans are at risk from EHD, other diseases could be transmitted by careless hygiene when processing deer.

“As a routine precaution, all hunters are encouraged to wear rubber or latex gloves when handling or field-dressing any animal, and wash their hands and tools thoroughly after field dressing,” Dr. Cottrell said.  “As with any wild game, meat should always be thoroughly cooked.”

Dr. Cottrell stressed that even though some EHD symptoms are similar to those of chronic wasting disease (CWD) – such as excessive drooling, weakness and a loss of fear of humans – there is no relationship between EHD and CWD.

“However, because these diseases coexist, as many of the deer as possible that are submitted for EHD testing also are being tested for CWD,” Dr. Cottrell said.  “It also is worth noting that like CWD, EHD is one of those diseases whose mortality rate can be amplified by anything that serves to congregate deer, such as supplemental feeding, and placement of salt or mineral blocks.  While the disease is not spread through deer to deer contact, congregating animals through feeding does make transmission easier by allowing midges that carry the virus greater access to a larger number of animals in a more confined area.  Therefore, such feeding activities should be discontinued immediately.

“The good news from this situation is that the public is reporting these sightings to the Game Commission.  Should the state’s deer herd be infected with other serious diseases, the Game Commission will need to rely on the continued vigilance of the public so that we can respond in a timely manner.”

Other areas of the United States that have confirmed EHD-related mortalities this year are: Alabama; Colorado; District of Columbia; Georgia; Tennessee; Kansas; Kentucky; Illinois; Indiana; Maryland; Mississippi; Missouri; New Jersey; New York; North Carolina; South Carolina; Texas; Virginia; Ohio; Pennsylvania; and West Virginia.