LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

Kentucky's most common deer is experiencing a disease outbreak, prompting a warning from the state.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources posted Thursday that there is an outbreak of Hemorrhagic Disease in white-tailed deer.

As of Sept. 22, there have been 553 reports statewide, affecting 94 counties, including Jefferson County.

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

Officials said 1,074 deer have been reported sick or dead in the past few months.

As for how it is contracted, it is caused by a virus spread by biting midges. It is not transmissible between deer.

The disease is not believed to affect humans, but deer infected with HD may be more susceptible to other bacterial infections or abscesses.

So while hunters are not at risk for

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