DEER DISEASE: Drought Helps Spread Disease

The drought is taking a toll on the state’s deer population, by bringing the deer right to the spots where a disease-carrying insect is waiting.  Midge flies are spreading a virus called E.H.D, and are already to blame for killing more than 200-deer in the southern part of the state. 

The midge flies tend to stay in muddy areas like dried river beds—the same places where deer gather to look for water. 

“Right now I’d say we’re sitting right at 230 reported cases statewide.” says Natural Resource Biologist Tom Litchfield, “Almost all of those in the southern four tiers of counties of Iowa”

The DNR says the virus cannot be spread to farm animals or humans, but can take a toll on the deer herd.  They’re asking anyone who finds a deer carcass to give them a call.