OUTDOORS: Virus claiming deer in Iowa

An outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease is impacting deer primarily in south central Iowa, with the largest concentration of infected animals being reported in Warren County, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

EHD is caused by a virus spread by female midges that feed on deer. The disease causes high fever in deer and the cell membranes in their heart, lungs and diaphragm to weaken and burst.

nfected deer are attracted to water to combat the fever and dehydration due to the hemorrhaging and usually die within a few days.

In dry years, it can be worse as deer are more concentrated around water, and since the disease is spread by a biting midge, more deer can become infected. EHD remains active until rain disperses the deer, wind disburses the midges or a heavy frost kills them.

EHD is not related in any way to chronic wasting disease, said DNR officials.

Losses due to EHD occur annually, usually at low levels and in localized areas. Current loss estimate is more than 400. The number is likely to increase as bow hunters head to the timber to begin placing their tree stands, predicted DNR officials.