August 22, 2007Hemorrhagic disease found in Virginia deerVirginia wildlife officials have confirmed that an outbreak of hemorrhagic disease (HD) is occurring in the state's white-tailed deer herd. This isn't shocking news. HD is a common deer disease and outbreaks occur almost yearly in the Southeast. Hot, dry years can result in larger outbreaks because the conditions are favorable for the biting midges that spread the disease. Deer affected by HD tend to develop high fevers, which is why sick and/or dead deer are often found around water. I have had calls out to wildlife officials for two hours seeking details on the outbreak but I haven't heard back yet. But I have learned that the Mead-Westvaco Covington Mill was the site of a pretty significant die-off. According to a mill spokesperson, roughly 20 deer have died within the 150- to 200-acre fenced area of the plant. That's not shocking, either. What tends to happen with HD is that die-offs can be concentrated. It's not uncommon for a single landowner to lose a dozen or more deer, while nearby properties are affected minimally if at all. Even in bad HD years, the impact on the overall deer herd is thought to be pretty minimal. But, if you're a deer hunter and your favorite hunting area is hit hard, it can be devastating. Die-offs wane when the first frost arrives and kills the biting midges. OK, time to start calling DGIF people back so I can get more information on this. |
About this blog
While growing up in rural Southern Oregon, Mark Taylor developed a passion for the outdoors while he and his younger brother tagged along with their father on fishing, hunting and camping adventures. Graduating from Northwestern University in 1988, Taylor spent four years as an officer in the U.S. Navy based in Norfolk before moving into journalism. After five years writing about the military for a Norfolk-based publishing company, he became the outdoors editor at The Roanoke Times in 1998. He lives in Roanoke with his wife and twin daughters. .....Advertisement.....
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Comments
[August 22, 2007 4:39 PM]
Mark TaylorJust an update.
All my DGIF contacts called me back over the past couple of hours and filled me in with the details on this HD outbreak.
The basics are it's suspected in eight Virginia counties so far and that number will surely grow since it's early in the traditional HD season.
The worst HD year in Virginia was in 2002 when it was found in 35 counties. I expect we'll break that dubious record this year, barring some freaky early September freeze.
[September 18, 2007 12:54 AM]
Rob NunleyIn the East Carters Valley,between far side of Wadlow Gap Rd.and MacMury Hollow Rd.in Scott County.There has been close to 48-50 deer found in the last 3 weeks.These are the deer that have just been found along the Rd. next to creek.Is these deaths due to Hd.And its not stopping there,Fowlers Branch Rd.which ajoins this area is being hit now.Which has not been counted in the top figures.Which i know are low cause of the smell in other areas.And there is no deer being seen at night, nore late in the evenings, usually you could travel these roads and see as many as 50 deer 1 trip threw on any given night.NOW THERE IS NONE>. This is in a 5 to 10 mile radis so far.Will this continue till the first frost or till all deer are gone.And is there any programs, that will help in the repopulation of these deer that are lost?(If they are completely eraticated.) Isn`t there any drug or vacine that could be dropped in food source to help the deer fight the disease off??
[September 25, 2007 9:17 PM]
A. AdkinsSome quick research I've done on this disease indicates that a vaccine could theoretically be developed; however, its development and delivery would be expensive, if not prohibitive. Furthermore, it might not be very effective at reducing mortality. The reason being that by the time an area is identified for "treatment" and delivered, the first frost would likely be only 2 or 3 weeks away. The frost event alone usually stops the progression by killing the gnat that is blamed for carrying the disease. Unless such a disease threatens early, widespread eradication by showing up in more than one season, I doubt if we can expect anything, but to let nature run its course.
[October 8, 2007 12:54 AM]
E.DauleyWell Rob, you guys aren't alone!! I am in Wythe county and the farm I hunt has been hit hard with HD. We have lost 40 confirmed and I wouldn't be surprised if that number isn't closer to 100. Most in and around the creek that runs through the property. Studies show that the western part of the state is rarely affected but this year thats not the case. I wonder if this horrible drought we are in has caused a stronger gnat population than usual? I keep hoping for an early frost but that seems unlikely with the ongoing heat wave. Does anyone know if there is a natural predator to this species of gnats? If there are any natural predators is it possible that those insects have a cycle also, causing an abundance of prey and a lack of predator.
[October 8, 2007 9:07 AM]
Mark TaylorI can imagine how frustrating it would be to have one of those HD hot spots hit my hunting area. I think my hunting spots are OK but I'm not positive.
Drought years tend to be bad because those midges thrive in muddy areas, such as where ponds are drying up. To make matters worse, deer tend to concentrate on those areas because water is scarce. It's the old double whammy.
I don't know about gnat predators. Dragonflies, maybe? The sure thing is a killing frost. Normally, we'd have had one by now. But we all know this year has been anything but normal. According to the forecast it's supposed to finally cool down by later this week, but doesn't look like it will get into the 30s.
Thanks for reading, and keep us posted on HD in your areas.
mt