Authorities Track White-tailed Deer Disease For 2nd Year | North Dakota News

BISMARCK, ND (AP) – North Dakota Wildlife officials say a white-tailed deer disease that last year resulted in refunds to thousands of hunters is re-emerging in parts of the state.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease – commonly known as EHD – is a viral disease transmitted by biting midges. The hardest-hit area appears to be within a 20-mile radius of the Bismarck-Mandan region with outbreaks located elsewhere, said wildlife specialist veterinarian Charlie Bahnson.

“We see a low level of EHD activity most years, but every once in a while environmental factors line up to make a bad season,” Bahnson said. “Last year, southwestern North Dakota was relatively badly affected by HDE. Right now, it looks like the virus is picking up where it left off, with most cases coming from places on the outskirts of heavily affected areas in 2020. “

Last year, the ministry offered license refunds to more than 9,000 deer hunters. Officials monitored the outbreak for about two weeks before deciding on refunds, a process that will likely be repeated this year, the Bismarck Tribune reported.

“It is definitely an option that we will consider,” he said. “We’re not yet at the point where we’re going to pull that lever properly.”

EHD has been in North Dakota for decades. It affects white-tailed deer more than mule deer, due to the makeup of the animals.

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