Ohio wildlife agency seeks residents’ reports of deer behaving strangely to track disease

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Ohio Division of Wildlife is tracking an outbreak of a deadly disease among deer by asking residents to report animals displaying symptoms, including disorientation and a lack of fear of humans.

The division is monitoring cases of EHD, or epizootic hemorrhagic disease, one of the most common illnesses among white-tailed deer in the country.

Outbreaks of the disease occur almost every year in Ohio, although the severity of the outbreaks can vary. Between July 1, when the division began tracking sightings, and Aug. 19, it received over 400 reports with more than 1,300 dead or sick deer suspected to have EHD -- a number the agency said will likely rise.

"While these reports are very helpful to determine the severity and geographic distribution of the outbreak, t