White-tailed deer populations in portions of Middle and West Tennessee are currently experiencing an increase in hemorrhagic disease (HD) activity based on TWRA monitoring efforts. HD is a naturally occurring disease in deer, typical of southeastern states, that can be caused by epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and bluetongue (BT) viruses. These viruses are transmitted by a biting midge (known as no-see-ums), not directly between deer. HD is not known to cause disease in humans either through insect bites or through handling or consuming meat from infected deer.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Photo: Liz Julian / WSFWS