Deadly outbreak carried by invisible killers is wiping out animals in eastern US as crucial meat war

[240B]

Deadly outbreak carried by invisible killers is wiping out animals in eastern US as crucial meat warning issued

Daily Mail
By CHRIS MELORE
27 September 2025



Hundreds of deer have died due to an outbreak of an insidious disease carried by insects so small they're almost invisible.

Wildlife officials throughout the eastern US have revealed that epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is currently spreading, with many people finding dead deer near ponds and streams.

EHD is a virus that is often deadly for white-tailed deer, causing internal bleeding, loss of appetite, breathing problems, swelling around the head or eyes, and extreme fatigue.

Although the disease cannot be transmitted to people, wildlife authorities have warned locals and hunters not to eat any deer meat from animals found dead in the woods, especially near bodies of water.

Maryland's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) noted that deer with EHD may not have outward signs of the disease, and recommended not eating any 'deer which have large, open sores.'

Some deer with the disease have been found propping their heads up on fences due to exhaustion and trying to swim to ease their high fevers.

Dozens of cases have been reported in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, with the disease being spread by midges, also called 'no-see-ums.'

These tiny pests, which bite infected deer and carry the disease to others, are smaller than a mosquito and are found all over the US during warm and humid months.

(more)
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-15137803/Deadly-outbreak-invisible-attackers-killing-deer-US.html