Oh Deer! Viral deer disease detected in local counties

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WKBN) -- The Pennsylvania Gaming Commission announced that a viral disease has infected deer in both Mercer and Lawrence counties.

According to a press release, epizootic hemorrhagic disease or EHD has been investigated as the cause of death for some deer in southwestern and southeastern Pennsylvania, where test results are pending.

The agency said that the disease is spread to deer when they are bitten by infected midges, small insects often called “no-see-ums.” The disease surfaces in late summer and remains a threat to deer until temperatures drop and the midges die off, usually at the first hard frost. EHD can leave an impact on the infected deer population, according to the press release.

EHD has also been detected in Muddy Creek Township in Butler County and Mill