Deer Disease EHD Has Lesser Impact in South Dakota This Year

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A disease that caused large-scale deer die-offs in South Dakota last year hasn't had the same impact this year.

The Game, Fish and Parks agency says there have been about 700 reported deer deaths this year from epizootic hemorrhagic disease, better known as EHD. That compares to 3,700 reported deaths last year.

Wildlife program administrator Chad Switzer tells the Capital Journal this year's cases also appear to be in a narrower geographical area. The majority of the cases have been in Perkins, Corson, Bennett and Todd counties, along with some parts of the Black Hills.

Switzer says the lower numbers this year likely are a result of the cyclical nature of the disease. He says the right environmental factors also are necessary for the midges that spread the disease.

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