POLSON, Mont. — Wildlife officials confirmed hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, was responsible for a number of white-tailed deer deaths across the Flathead Indian Reservation.
The disease was confirmed in deer around Polson, Ronan, St. Ignatius and Hot Springs.
EHD is transmitted by biting midges, which are most active in late summer and early fall and are commonly found near water sources.
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes said EHD is not contagious to humans, but can affect deer and elk.
Wildlife officials said outbreaks are typically short-lived and localized, with cases expected to decline after the first few frosts of the season.
Officials said people did not need to report additional dead deer suspected of having EHD in areas where the disease has already been confirmed.
However, suspected cases in new areas of the reservation can be reported to CSKT Wildlife by email at Wildlife@cskt.org or by calling 406-275-2774.
CSKT wildlife staff continue to monitor the situation.