Hemorrhagic disease suspected cause of recent white-tailed deer deaths

Deer deaths have recently increased on the Flathead Reservation, including Hot Springs, Valley View, and multiple areas of Mission Valley. The CSKT Wildlife Management Program suspects that a hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is responsible for these deer deaths.

The disease is suspected to be in these areas, as it can persist for 2-3 years after an initial outbreak. CSKT Wildlife is waiting for results from samples taken last week and will keep the public up to date on our cskt.org website.

Although it is a viral disease transmitted by biting midges, it is not contagious to humans but can affect deer and elk. Outbreaks tend to occur near water sources in late summer and early fall when certain small fly species emerge. 

According to the press release, it is not necessary for the public to report additional dead deer suspected of EHD in suspected or confirmed areas. But potential outbreaks observed in new areas of the Reservation should be reported by emailing [email protected] or calling the Wildlife Conflict Call number at 406-275-2774.

While the disease can cause significant die-offs in localized deer populations, the outbreaks are usually short-lived and not widespread, the press release stated. Affected areas are generally localized and not spread across large areas. Meat from animals that appear healthy at the time of harvest remains safe to eat when properly cooked, though please consider having any harvested animal tested for Chronic Wasting Disease