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State natural resources officials say no cases of hemorrhagic disease in white-tailed deer have been confirmed this year in South Carolina, but with diagnosed cases on record in neighboring Southeastern states, they are closely monitoring the situation in the Palmetto State.
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has received an
above-average number of calls this year concerning deer found dead or seen
in poor condition, according to Charles Ruth Jr., DNR Deer Project
supervisor. If anyone observes sick or dead deer, report it to a regional
DNR wildlife biologist: Columbia, (803) 734-8738; Clemson, (864) 654-1671;
Greenwood, (864) 223-2731; Union, (864) 427-4771; Bonneau, (843) 825-3387;
Garnett (Hampton County), (803) 625-3569; Georgetown, (843) 546-9489.
"Although we are awaiting test results from the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study in Athens, Ga., on several deer found in South Carolina, there have been no confirmed cases in South Carolina this year," Ruth said.
"There have been diagnosed cases in states around South Carolina such as Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia. We are currently collecting samples from multiple locations in South Carolina for testing.
"Deer die every year in South Carolina from this disease," he said,
"but normally it^s isolated cases. What we are concerned about is a
widespread outbreak, or epizootic."
Hemorrhagic disease is a common infectious disease of white-tailed
deer, according to Ruth, and outbreaks occur annually in the Southeast.
Hemorrhagic disease typically occurs in late summer and early fall. The
disease poses no threat to humans or domestic pets such as dogs and cats.
Biting flies, commonly known as biting gnats, transmit this viral disease.
Hemorrhagic disease cannot be spread by direct contact between infected
animals.
Deer that contract this disease often die rapidly. The number of
deer lost in a hemorrhagic disease outbreak is variable, but not all deer
contracting the disease will die. Surviving deer may be emaciated or appear lame due to hoof damage. High fever due to the virus cause deer hooves to crack, peel or even slough off.
Hunters should not consume deer obviously sick when killed.
No vaccine or medication exists to combat this deer disease.
Hemorrhagic disease outbreaks will continue to occur until frost decreases
the number of insects carrying it. The best defense, Ruth said, is to
maintain healthy deer herds at a population size suitable for the habitat.
The DNR will continue to monitor the hemorrhagic disease situation in South
Carolina and provide technical assistance to affected landowners
Uploaded: 10/23/1999
Uploaded: 10/23/1999