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Deadly Deer Diseases Emerge in Montana and Idaho

9/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Wildlife authorities in eastern Montana and northern Idaho report cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and bluetongue virus (BTV) in deer and antelope.
Symptoms include weakness, swelling, drooling, and a blue tongue, with infected animals often dying within 8 to 36 hours.
EHD and BTV, spread by midges, pose no risk to humans, but hunters should avoid consuming meat from infected animals.
Lab tests in Idaho confirmed EHD in the Clearwater Region and both EHD and BTV in the Panhandle Region.
Outbreaks are expected to persist until cooler weather arrives, making public reports of sick or dead deer essential for tracking the disease's impact.

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Story summary

Wildlife authorities in eastern Montana and northern Idaho report cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and bluetongue virus (BTV) in deer and antelope.
Symptoms include weakness, swelling, drooling, and a blue tongue, with infected animals often dying within 8 to 36 hours.
EHD and BTV, spread by midges, pose no risk to humans, but hunters should avoid consuming meat from infected animals.
Lab tests in Idaho confirmed EHD in the Clearwater Region and both EHD and BTV in the Panhandle Region.
Outbreaks are expected to persist until cooler weather arrives, making public reports of sick or dead deer essential for tracking the disease's impact.