The epizootic hemorrhagic disease is increasing in parts of northwest Ohio and killing deer

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – There is a warning for hunters this fall hunting season.

The Ohio Division of Natural Resources is warning of an increase in epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in deer in northwest Ohio.

That's a concern for some hunters, who are calling on the state to stop deer hunting in the area until the population recovers.

“Look at them,” said Brad Dysinger, owner of Thorn Bottom Hunting Preserve. “She just died out here and when I found her she was as healthy as she could be.”

In and around the Thorn Bottom Hunting Preserve, vultures circle the sky, taking advantage of dozens of dead deer killed by the epizootic hemorrhagic disease.

“The guy here found 19, we found 15,” Dysinger said.

EHD occurs when deer are bitten by midges, also called midges.

“During deer season last year, I saw 60 does and eight bucks in this field. If you drive around now, the deer are extinct, it’s sad,” Dysinger said.

The longtime hunter is calling on the Ohio Division of Wildlife to do more to protect deer during this time.

“A few years ago we saw an outbreak in southwest Ohio, this year we're not really seeing an outbreak in southwest Ohio, we're seeing it in northwest Ohio, so it changes every few years,” says Sarah Schott, wildlife communications specialist with the Ohio Division of Wildlife said.

According to Schott, EHD is relatively common and there are no long-term effects.

However, in the short term, the deer population could temporarily decline.

“They are so resilient and can recover very quickly within a breeding season or two,” Schott said.

But for hunters like Dysinger, he says more should be done to protect northwest Ohio's deer population while the disease in deer persists.

“They should look at how many deer have died and consider canceling the deer season in the affected areas,” Dysinger said.

Experts said there is no danger to humans and the Ohio Division of Wildlife is asking for patience as nature takes its course when little or no deer are seen.

They also say to keep hunting because it helps the deer population and not to eat diseased deer meat.

Finally, report any sick deer you find here.

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