EHD is a viral disease which can cause high fever and severe internal bleeding in deer. However, it's either harmless to humans or else it isn't. It depends on the authority being consulted. The U.S. Centers For Disease Control listing says human infections have been "reported".
Usually EHD is pretty rare in Illinois. Last year, IDNR received probable EHD reports from only eight Illinois counties. The last major outbreak was in 2007 during another very dry summer when EHD was reported from 57 counties. The drought's the key, according to IDNR officials.
"Exposed mudflats provide conditions that favor hatches of the disease-carrying insects. Later in the summer, deer become more concentrated around the limited water sources, and the disease may begin to spread more quickly," said said Tom Micetich, IDNR Deer Project Manager.
Hunters and landowners who find sick or dead deer from what might be EHD, especially in or near water, are asked to contact their nearest IDNR field office or regional office. Discoveries of EHD-related deer mortality may also be reported to Tom Micetich at 309-543-3316, ext. 231; or email: tom.micetich@illinois.gov.
In the pic: This suspected EHD deer was found downstate a couple of weeks ago.
6 comments:
People need to understand that feeding birds might sound like a great idea BUT the dropped seed and the feeders attract deer (along with some very UNDESIREABLE critters). It is against state law to have deer feed from the seeds as this is how they share the disease along with leaving water out in bird baths. The birds would actually be better off WITHOUT the seeds.
They would then eat the FRESH items they should be eating. They also pass eye diseases to each other from the feeders. Although people may think they are being helpful, they are interfering with MOTHER NATURE. If you want to see Cardinals, plant sunflowers. I once was an avid feeder until I got educated. Many municipalities have ordinances against bird feeders (that includes throwing bread or peanuts, etc for critters). It also attracts oposums, racoons, mice, rats, foxes, coyotes, squirrels, skunks, and on and on. A food chain. We now see nocturnal animals during the day because their natural enemy, man, is feeding them. Parents should not have to stay with their kids at bus stops because foxes are staring at them across the street in the daylight morning hours.
Nice rant now kiss my a@@!
Ah, well, it is said that ignorance is bliss.
(In regard to the 2nd comment.)
I have 3 apple trees. The deer eat the apples off the ground. I call it my deer. Is it OK for them eat those? Or should I put a sign out in my yard that says "No Deer Allowed!"
You are not purposely putting food out. It is not year round and you have little control. Salt licks and other food is what is prohibited. I know several folks that work for "Smokey the Bear" and none of them would ever have any bird feeders. Cause too many problems.
Section 635.40 DNC State law states:
" It shall be illegal to make available food, salt, mineral blocks or other products for ingestion by deer or other wildlife in areas where wild deer are present."
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