THIS SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bushman]

Was out doing some scouting and some stand work today and we came across this. Didn't seem to be to old, not a lot of scavanger action yet. I didn't find any holes or broken bones, looks like a young deer, no clue why he died. It's just a shame, would have been a really nice buck in a few years. You can't see it on the pictures but he has a double brow starting on one side and a triple on the other, mayby would have beena Non-typ in a year or two. grrrr......

 

[Shredder]

Based on the year we have had, drought and all, time of season being early fall....you are likely looking at a case of EHD or Epizootic Hemorragic Disease of White-tailed Deer (some folks call it Bluetongue but it is a related virus)I hope it does not become an epidemic like it has in years past in areas of high deer density.

Post-mortem...there is usually blood leaking from orifices but if it had been there a couple of days, there is a chance a possum or skunk already licked it off. I hope I am wrong on the cause of death.

 

[bjkpharmd]

Struck by lightning or a near miss?

 

[Earl E. November]

Generally speaking deer dieing from Blue tongue will be found in or near water, as the final stages produce high body temperatures and the animal is seeking relief. Might be worth a call to the local CO

 

[hcsafari]

EHD is a viral disease spread by biting insects and the acute form usually occurs in the summer here in MS - I'm sure it's the same there. Typically the deer will exhibit a swelled head, neck and tongue. As mentioned is a previous post the lungs will be hemorrhagic or "wet" and there may be ulcerations and hemorrhage on the tongue.

Just judging by the picture it dose'nt appear to be to swollen around the head or neck area. If it is in fact EHD your likely to hear of other cases being reported in the area.

I know here in MS there is also a chronic form of EHD which occurs in the fall and/or winter. Deer appear to be thin or emaciated and will have healing ulcers in the digestive tract. The most common sign of EHD this time of year is deformed and/or sloughing hooves.

Best thing to do would be to advise your local biologist or warden. They should also know if there have been other reported cases.