Samples from Kamiah Deer Positive for EHD

A disease that hit whitetail deer in the Kamiah area of the Clearwater Region has been identified in at least some of the samples, according to Idaho Fish and Game. Initial test results from tissue samples sent to the University of California at Davis showed the presence of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD). About 10 days ago, IDFG biologists and conservation officers in the Kamiah area began noting and receiving reports of dead white-tailed deer in a small 1-2 square mile area just north of Kamiah. The estimated number of dead deer is 150-200. Wildlife veterinarian Mark Drew, IDFG wildlife biologist George Pauley, and Conservation Officer Roger Westfall examined about 15 deer from the area this week. The lesions observed in these animals included massive edema (fluid) in the lungs and minor hemorrhages in the stomach and intestines. The cause of death appeared to be pulmonary edema (fluid) which results in difficulty in breathing, foaming at the mouth and unwillingness to move. "The primary means of transmission of EHD between deer is by biting gnats," Drew said. "This is probably why the disease shows up in Idaho sporadically in dry years when deer are concentrated near water. It is not transmissible to humans or domestic livestock." Cattle and sheep in the affected area have shown no signs of illness. Results from samples sent to other testing facilities are expected next week.