Minnesota Zoo Tested Deer Virus Vaccine In The Summer

MINNESOTA — Veterinarians at the Minnesota Zoo tested a vaccine for epizootic hemorrhagic disease on about 30 of its mammals, including reindeer, bison and moose.

Results from the vaccinations won't arrive for a few months, but there were no illnesses or deaths among animals this year, veterinary intern Alex McFarland told the Star Tribune. Four of the zoo's reindeer died of the virus in 2020.

A dead deer found on someone's property in Juneau County tested positive Thursday for epizootic hemorrhagic disease, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said after collecting a tissue sample.

The virus that causes epizootic hemorrhagic disease can be carried by small biting gnats called midges, the wildlife agency said. The virus doesn't affect humans even if they handle infected deer, eat meat from them or are bitten by the gnats.

Here are some signs that a deer may have the disease.

• The deer exhibit excessive salivation or foaming around the nose and mouth.
• The deer appear weak and approachable by humans.
• Deer carcasses are found in or near water sources. Infected deer will often lie in water to cool down or to drink.
• The deer have swollen heads, necks, tongues or eyelids.

People who see sick or dead deer should contact their county wildlife biologist. The department won't collect or remove deer that are suspected of dying of the disease, as they're not a threat to living deer.

One in a group of eight dead deer tested positive for the disease after being discovered near La Crosse on Sept. 28, the wildlife agency said.

There were small outbreaks in deer in Buffalo and Oconto counties in fall 2020, the department said. An outbreak in Crawford and six surrounding counties affected approximately 300 deer.

See Also: La Crosse County Deer Positive For Fatal Disease