MNRF looking for any local reports of new deer disease in Ontario.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry wants to know about any potential sightings of sick deer in the area.
This comes as two deer near London have been confirmed to be carrying epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD. While these are the two first cases of the disease in the province, it is common in deer in the United States.
Senior Media Relations Officer Jolanta Kowalski says the disease is not considered a public health risk for humans, but is a concern for the MRNF because it’s fatal to deer. She says the disease is not transmitted from deer-to-deer, but carried in a certain type of midge, also known as a ‘no-see-ems.’
Although there have been no confirmed cases in the North Hastings area, Kowalski says it’s hard to say if the virus will spread to parts of Eastern Ontario.
Kowalski says anyone spending time in the bush is being asked to keep an eye out for deer showing symptoms of the disease.
Kowalski says deer carrying the disease will also show signs of fever, and are often found in or near waterbodies to cool off. She reminds hunters that if they notice these symptoms, don’t eat the deer.
She says the MNRF is working with the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative to track if there are any other cases in the province. Anyone spending time outdoors is being asked to report any deer showing symptoms of EHD to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative by calling 1-866-673-4781. Sightings can also be reported to the MNRF by calling 1-800-667-1940.