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S.D. (KOTA) – South Dakota wildlife officials are asking hunters, landowners and others who see deer often, to report sick or dead deer as hemorrhagic disease continues to spread across the state
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department said reports from the public are helping wildlife managers track the disease and determine its impact on local deer herds
The outbreak has already prompted changes to this year’s deer license allocations
GFP said 62 licenses will be removed during the fourth Combined Deer Draw — two in East River Deer Unit 47A13 and 60 in West River Deer Unit 24A13
Hunters in areas heavily affected by the disease may also have an opportunity to return their licenses for a full refund and have their preference points reinstated
Hemorrhagic disease is caused by either epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), or bluetongue virus. Both are spread by biting midges and can cause serious illness or death in deer
Some infected deer may show few symptoms, while others can develop fever, tongue swelling and respiratory problems
The disease is most common during warm weather and is expected to continue until colder temperatures and a hard frost kill the insects that spread it
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