On October 9, Brad Dysinger of Thorn Bottom Hunting Preserve near Grover Hill, OH hosted a discussion concerning the EHD disease that is affecting the deer population around the area including Defiance and Paulding Counties. EHD, EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE is a virus that causes deer deaths sometimes within 48 hours of transmission. Transmission is by way of the bite of an infected midge (a type of fly) sometimes known as no-see-ums.
Todd Haines, a manager for Ohio Department of Wildlife, along with District Manager Scott Butterworth of Findlay, and ODNR State Wildlife Officer for District 2, Levi Farley, led an informative discussion, including a question and answer time, about EHD and the current deer population and subsequent decline due to the surge in disease instances in the county and surrounding area. Haines explained the symptoms of EHD — they vary and usually develop about seven days after exposure, deer appear disoriented and show little or no fear of humans, animals may appear feverish, pronounced swelling of head, neck, tongue and eyelids, and may have respiratory distress. With the coming of the autumn season and the first frost approaching, should kill off these midges and in turn end the disease outbreak in the deer population. EHD is one of the most common diseases of white-tailed deer in the USA. There is no treatment for this disease, and is only found in deer.
Attendees asked many questions as Haines was explaining more about the uptick in the disease this season. There are several concerns that area residents have with the dead animals lying in ditches, fields and rivers, creeks, and ponds in the area.
According to the Dept. of Wildlife’s website EHD information page, townships in Paulding County have reported more than 50 dead deer from EHD infections this season (numbers updated October 8, 2024). Hundreds of dead deer between Paulding and Defiance counties have now been reported. Addressing attendees’ voiced concerns about carcasses being in the waterways, Haines stated that they have been in contact with the local and state health departments to discuss the ramifications of having decomposing animal carcasses in the waterways. Thermal surveys over various wildlife areas is one way that Dept of Wildlife keep tabs of the death toll.
ODNR plans to continue with deer hunting season as planned for the 2024-25 season with developments being observed, heard and documented. They will be listening to comments and concerns and keeping the EHD data updated throughout this season. Haines wanted to assure everyone that their statements and concerns were being heard. He also encourages everyone to comment on proposals when they are presented in the Spring through the website.
Officer Farley, commented that hunters are conveying their concern to him about the declining deer population and they understanding how to hunt responsibly for this season, may mean not hunting at all for deer. During this meeting, a follow up meeting was offered to have Clint McCoy, ODNR division of Wildlife biologist come to Thorn Bottom and do further explanations of the EHD disease and how the farmers and hunters of the area can help handling the situation.
Upon observation, while driving in the NE Paulding County area, deer can be seen lying near waterways. It does seem to have affected the west side of the Auglaize River more than the east.
To hear more discussion, scan the QR code below to watch the entire meeting on YouTube. Or type in this URL in your favorite browser: https://youtu.be/mPq3lNVRWaA.
To report a deer carcass to ODNR, you can email, wildinfo@dnr.ohio.gov, call 1-800-WILDLIFE (800-945-3543), or contact District 2 Wildlife officer, Levi Farley, 419-429-8390.
