Hunters in southeast Montana warned of deer disease outbreak

MILES CITY, Mont. – Wildlife biologists from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) have reported an uptick in cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and blue tongue virus (BTV) among white-tailed deer and antelope in southeast Montana.

These suspected cases have emerged along the Yellowstone River corridor and prairie habitats. However, they have not yet been confirmed through lab testing, FWP said in a release .

EHD and BTV are spread by tiny flies called midges, commonly known as "no-see-ums." Infections typically rise in late summer and fall during warm, dry conditions when these flies are abundant.

Animals with EHD or BTV can appear weak, lethargic and disoriented. They are often found near water sources due to high fever and may drool or foam at the mouth.

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