A collaboration of Fort Drum Fish & Wildlife and Cornell University focusing on white-tailed deer fawn survival within the cantonment area of Fort Drum.
10/02/2020
While this EHD outbreak so far appears isolated to the southern tier, hunters should have their eye out and report any dead deer that they find. If they're on post they can be reported to us directly. If you hunt anywhere in the southern portions of New York you definitely should be aware of the outbreak.
New York deer are currently being affected by an unusual outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD). EHD is a fatal viral disease of whitetail deer caused by a tiny biting fly. It cannot be contracted by humans. A deer infected with EHD may appear lame or dehydrated and have a swollen head, neck, tongue, or eyelids. Frequently, infected deer will seek out water sources and many die near a water source.
To date, EHD has been confirmed in portions of Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster, and Westchester counties, and DEC has received reports of approximately 750 dead deer. Though the current outbreak appears concentrated in the lower Hudson Valley, EHD may spread to other parts of the state, until we have widespread frosts that kill the flies that transmit the virus. Reports from hunters can help DEC track the disease's potential spread.
Hunters are encouraged to report any deer suspected of dying from EHD to their nearest DEC regional wildlife office: https://on.ny.gov/2K6BOtt
For more information: https://on.ny.gov/36rdkHB
