A white-tailed deer in west Kentucky is the state's first confirmed case of hemorrhagic disease this year.
That's according to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources in a release on Thursday. Murray State University’s Breathitt Veterinary Center confirmed a deceased deer from Graves County tested positive for what is sometimes referred to as "blue tongue" or EHD.
Fish and wildlife officials are investigating 22 other possible cases in 11 counties and expect the number could grow in the coming weeks.
The disease is caused by two viruses that small biting flies can transmit to deer. Outbreaks typically last from late-summer to the first hard frost, which kills the flies.
The disease has been present in the U.S. for more than 60 years, officials say. It is not the same as chronic wasting disease. Most deer die from hemorrhagic disease within 24 to 36 hours after being bitten. Due to the rapid death, the carcasses can appear otherwise well fed or normal.
The disease cannot be transmitted to people or pets. Officials warn, however, that deer with hemorrhagic disease can be susceptible to other diseases and caution against eating sick-looking deer.
