As Hunting Season begins in NW Montana, FWP has been investigating recent white-tail deer deaths in the Plains and Eururka areas. They’re suspecting Hemorrhagic Disease, or H-D, but that diagnosis hasn’t yet been confirmed.
There are 2-common strains of H-D: Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, or E-H-D and Blue Tongue. Both are viral from the animals biting midges. This usually effects white-tail deer, but could also move through a herd of mulies.
While the disease can cause significant losses in localized deer populations, outbreaks are usually short-lived and confined to certain areas. The good news is that H-D isn’t a risk to humans, but FWP suggests the meat be properly cooked. FWP always cautions harvesting or consuming animals that appear to be sick.
