Antler Points

The Deer Die-off

The "deer die-off" is a common occurrence in southeastern states and occurs irregularly-but on average about every few years (6 out of 10). It varies. It is most commonly associated with epizootic hemorrhagic disease of deer and is caused, it is believed, by a virus transmitted by biting midges of the family Culicoides. It may be crowding-stress related, the crowding influencing the adreno-pituitory system, that modifying the antigen-antibody response. High midge populations coinciding with a stressed population (crowding and low nutrition) allows the disease to appear significantly in many animals that cannot recover from the virus attack. Only lab analyses are necessary to confirm the disease, but there is a recognizable set of symptoms:

• Sloughing hooves (on 2 or more feet)
• Ulcers in the deer's mouth
• Scars on the rumen lining.

A reservoir is unknown. Research is needed.

A large die-off with few scavengers will result in numerous scattered decaying animals, perhaps necessitating cleanup work near people. Continual population and habitat balancing seems the only way known at present to prevent the die-offs.

Trapping for transplanting is infeasible. No areas now need stock and, if so, the numbers to be removed are high and costs per animal great. Interstate moves are also infeasible because of disease-test restrictions.

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Last revision January 17, 2000.