KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — Kentucky's white-tail deer are experiencing an outbreak of a contagious disease caused by small, biting insects.

The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources (KYDFWR) announced on Facebook Thursday morning that the Commonwealth is experiencing an outbreak of Hemorrhagic Disease (HD).

Officials said the midge population peaks in summer, particularly in areas with heavy rainfall early, followed by dry weather. These conditions cultivate ideal conditions for midge reproduction.

Fish and Wildlife said deer affected with HD often spike fevers and seek out water to cool off. It's due to this behavior that many deer infected with HD are found dead near ponds or streams.

HD is not deadly to all deer. Some deer develop antibodies that they pass along to their offspri

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