As a deadly disease sweeps through deer populations in the state, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is considering lowering the number of deer that hunters can take in three southeast Ohio counties.

The reduced limits could take place in Athens, Meigs and Washington counties

Lindsey Krusling with the Ohio Division of Wildlife said this years outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in whitetail deer is "a little unprecedented."

The disease, which is spread by infected midges, or small flies, has been confirmed in 33 Ohio counties. Krusling said this year, Ohio had a lot of midges.

"It was just kind of the perfect storm this year where we had a very rainy spring and then a really hot dry summer," Krusling said.

Deer typically die within a few days of being bitten

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