CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) has confirmed cases of hemorrhagic disease (HD) in deer from Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie and Wood counties.

The counties are near areas in Ohio where the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has also reported the disease.

WVDNR Director Brett McMillion said the illness is seasonal and naturally occurs in deer populations. He noted that outbreaks usually do not cause noticeable changes for hunters. “These outbreaks should not discourage hunters from enjoying West Virginia’s fall hunting opportunities,” McMillion said.

So far, about 75 suspected cases of HD have been reported by the public across the state. The disease is caused by a virus spread by biting midges, which are most active in late summer and early fal

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