TN Deer Suffering From Deadly Gnat Bite

A disease known as epizootic hemorrhagic disease—EDH for short—is killing Tennessee deer across that state, but it is a disease that commonly occurs this time of year and usually runs its course by early to mid-October.

“We probably are getting more reports because the drought is concentrating deer around the same watering holes and deer are being bitten by gnats that transmit EDH,” noted Steve Patrick, the manager of TWRA’s Region II office. “Deer do not transmit this disease to other deer. It is carried by the fly and some deer fall prey to its bite.”

Wildlife officers in Middle Tennessee have received numerous reports from landowners, who often find dead deer alongside ponds or creeks.

Deer usually become progressively weaker as the disease sets in, lose their appetite and fear of man, salivate excessively, develop a rapid pulse and respiration rate, and eventually become unconscious.

“As the deer begins to die, EHD drives deer toward water because they are thirsty,” explained Patrick. “Some callers are worried that deer might have chronic wasting disease, but we do not have chronic wasting disease in Tennessee.”

EDH normally ends after the first frost, which kills the vector that carries it, according to TWRA. It can impact local populations of deer, but usually is not a threat to the overall statewide population.

“This particular disease is not a danger to humans or fatal to other animals,” noted Patrick. “But it is tough on deer.”