IDFG investigate deer deaths in greater Kamiah

Idaho Department of Fish and Game is investigating recent reports of dead deer in the greater Kamiah area, testing the animals for several diseases as they try to ascertain what is causing the deaths.

So far, they have ruled out Bluetongue and Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, as well as Adenovirus Hemorrhagic Disease. While they are still testing for other diseases, including Chronic Wasting Disease, IDFG wildlife biologist Jana Livingston said they “don’t want to speculate” as to the cause and added “I do not think that is it.”

EHD and AHD are both rapidly developing diseases with death occurring three to five days and 8 to 36 hours respectively, whereas deaths from CWD develop over a long period of time.

While no deaths have been reported in North Idaho or Boundary County and there have been no reported cases of CWD in Idaho, the disease has been found just over the border in Libby, Montana.

Not all animals who contract these diseases will die and AHD is often more fatal in fawns. Livingston said that there are EHD “outbreaks every year.” She also said that they have not heard reports of outbreaks resembling the one in the Kamiah area occurring anywhere else in Idaho at this time.

The Idaho Fish and Game website states that the primary means of transmission of EHD is through biting midges, more commonly known as “no-see-ums.” AHD is transmitted by direct contact between deer, either through bodily fluids or possibly airborne routes. Neither disease is transmissible to humans.

According to CDC officials, there is no strong evidence of CWD transmission to humans but recommends avoiding exposure and to not eat meat from infected animals.

People can help prevent the spread of these diseases by not feeding or watering the animals, taking precautions like wearing gloves and cleaning equipment between animals when butchering deer and not transporting animals that may be infected between regions.

IDFG biologists are monitoring the situation and testing some carcasses as they are found and reported.

Exact numbers of diseased or dead animals are hard to estimate but the deaths currently sit at 50-100 deer and appear to be localized at this time, IDFG officials said in a press release Aug. 5. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The public is urged to contact the Clearwater regional office at 208-799-5010 to report a sick or injured deer.