FLATHEAD RESERVATION, Mont. — A virus known as Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, or EHD, has been confirmed in deer and elk deaths on the Flathead Reservation, wildlife officials said.
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) Wildlife Management Program said the outbreak has been confirmed in the Hot Springs and Mission Valley areas. The disease is spread by biting midges and affects deer and elk but does not infect humans.
EHD outbreaks often occur near water in late summer and early fall. Officials said recent frost should stop the insects that spread the disease, but some animals already infected may continue to die over the next week.
The CSKT Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation is closely monitoring the outbreak. Deer deaths in the known affected areas do not need to be reported, but any new cases elsewhere on the reservation should be reported by emailing Wildlife@cskt.org or calling 406-275-2774.
While EHD can cause major die-offs, outbreaks are usually short and localized. Meat from healthy animals remains safe to eat if fully cooked, but hunters are encouraged to test any harvested deer or elk for Chronic Wasting Disease.
Infected animals may appear weak, foam at the mouth, or have a swollen or blue tongue. They often die quickly, sometimes in groups near water.
For more information, contact the CSKT Wildlife Program at Wildlife@cskt.org or 406-675-2700 ext. 7217.