Hemorrhagic Disease Confirmed in White-Tailed Deer in Eight Tennessee Counties

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) reports an increase in hemorrhagic disease (HD) activity among white-tailed deer in portions of Middle and West Tennessee. HD, caused by epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and bluetongue (BT) viruses, is spread by biting midges and does not infect humans.

Lab confirmations have been made in deer from Franklin, Giles, Humphreys, Lewis, Shelby, Sumner, Wayne, and Williamson counties, with additional sick and dead deer reports consistent with the disease. Symptoms in deer can include fatigue, respiratory distress, swollen tongue, mouth sores, fever, sloughing of hooves, drooling, and a lack of fear.

Sick deer are often found near water, though not all affected deer appear visibly ill. HD outbreaks are influenced by environmental conditions that favor midge reproduction, such as wet springs followed by dry late summers. Deer can recover and develop immunity, which can reduce the severity of future outbreaks.

TWRA is monitoring the situation and encourages anyone who finds sick or dead deer to submit a report at https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/twra/sickdeer.html. Samples must be collected within 24 hours of death for testing. The TWRA manages and protects wildlife populations and promotes public safety through law enforcement and safety education.