Bluetongue disease, a virus that has been killing deer in the Northwest U.S. recently, has now shown up in Northwestern Montana, according to state wildlife officials.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife manager Neil Anderson said Thursday that the disease is responsible for the deaths of about 60 deer in the Eureka area so far, and is the first time the virus has been found in the state this year.

While noting that this year’s whitetailed deer population appears to be very robust, Anderson warned that the disease can wipe out up to 75 percent of local deer populations. Mule deer and antelope are also susceptible to the virus, which kills infected animals by causing internal bleeding.

In Eastern Washington, the recent outbreak has already wiped out hundreds of deer, and it has been documented more recently in Idaho, Anderson said. Infected animals often exhibit difficulty standing, nasal discharge, excessive salivation and as the name implies, blue, swollen tongues that may stick out of their mouths.

The disease could carry implications beyond affecting this year’s fall hunt. While closely related to another deer disease, EHD, bluetongue disease is different in that it can also affect livestock. Humans are not susceptible to infection from the virus.

On the bright side, Anderson noted that the varied habitat found throughout Northwest Montana may help contain the virus’ spread until a killing frost wipes out the tiny insects, called “midges,” responsible for transmitting it.

Wildlife managers are on the lookout for the virus spreading to new areas, and state wildlife biologist Jessie Coltrane asked that anyone who sees deer exhibiting symptoms of bluetongue disease outside the Eureka area to contact Fish, Wildlife and Parks, at (406) 752-5501.

Reporter Samuel Wilson can be reached at 758-4407 or by email at [email protected].