DES MOINES COUNTY, Iowa — You might have heard of Chronic Wasting Disease infecting and killing deer, but how about Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease?
Iowa is currently experiencing its second-worst outbreak of EHD. It's been reported in 74 counties so far and is particularly bad in southeastern Iowa. 2023 has seen the highest number of counties to report EHD in one year.
What's especially unique about the current outbreak is how late in the year it's occurring.
EHD is caused by bites on white-tailed deer from midges (also called No-See-Ums) and it's mostly fatal. This year's prolonged warm weather has allowed these midges to continue spreading and infecting deer.
Luckily, the state's DNR says a killing frost will end the outbreak by eliminating those midges.
“Most of the highest-impacted counties have deer populations that exceed our management goals," Jace Elliot, an Iowa DNR state deer biologist, said. "Historically, Iowa deer herds impacted by EHD outbreaks have bounced back fairly quickly, typically recovering to prior levels within two or three years. Unless we detect a sustained decline in deer numbers, we don’t anticipate any changes to our management strategy resulting from this EHD outbreak."
If any hunters or landowners come in contact with a deer corpse they suspect was infected with EHD, they're encouraged to contact the Iowa DNR by clicking here, or by calling Elliot directly at (515) 249-7056.
“The vast majority of what we know about annual EHD outbreaks comes from the public. Hunters and landowners who suspect EHD is on their property are encouraged to contact the DNR to improve our disease monitoring efforts,” Elliot said.
Elliot joined The Current to discuss the outbreak and what landowners need to know. You can watch the full interview in the above video.
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