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Is a deadly viral disease stalking South Carolina's deer?
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A viral disease has killed thousands of white-tail deer in the eastern half of the United States within the past three months in what biologists say is the most severe outbreak in decades.
Positive cases of hemorrhagic disease, which stems from groups of viruses transmitted by biting midges -- also known as sand gnats or no-see-ums -- have been confirmed in New Jersey, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Indiana.
Dozens more cases are pending confirmation, including samples from South Carolina.
While the disease cannot be spread to humans or pets, biologists advise against eating deer determined to be sick or potentially affected by the disease.
Within the last three weeks, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources has sent three deer carcasses, including one from nearby Hampton County, to be tested at the Southeast Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study in Athens, Ga., said Charles Ruth, a DNR biologist.
"It's really flared up around the Southeast in the last few weeks," Ruth said. "There's no question it's out there."
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Hemorrhagic disease attacks cells in blood vessels, leading to internal bleeding and severe fluid build-up in glands.
Outward signs can include mouth ulcers, abrasions or sores on the stomach and legs, loss of appetite and abnormal hoof growth. Sick deer often develop high fevers and become lethargic and emaciated.
More than 100 carcasses have tested positive for the disease at the Wildlife Disease Study, making it certain that several thousand deer are affected, said Dr. David Stallknect, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine.
"What we're seeing this year is exceptional in terms of mortality rates," he said.
His lab's research indicates deer in coastal areas have lower mortality rates than those farther inland, likely due to genetic factors. Most deer along the coast have built up immunity to hemorrhagic disease due to a history of exposure, Stallknect said.
HAS IT SPREAD HERE?
But that doesn't mean deer in Beaufort County are out of the woods.
In 2002, there was significant disease activity here, and based on historical data, mortality rates "could be relatively high again this year," Ruth said.
In South Carolina, deer die each year from the disease, but there's no indication that a major outbreak has occurred since the mid 1970s.
Localized outbreaks in the Palmetto State flare up every three to five years, probably related to the life cycles of deer, Ruth said.
Little can be done to prevent the hemorrhagic disease since it's spread by insects and not deer-to-deer. DNR encourages hunters to keep deer populations at reasonable levels, which allows for better health of the herd.
TO REPORT SICK DEER
The S.C. DNR encourages hunters, landowners and others to report sick deer or those that have died of unknown causes to the agency as soon as they are found.
• Call the wildlife line at 803-734-3886.
• Go to www.dnr.sc.gov for more information.
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