Potential for EHD Outbreak in Deer this Season

"Conditions are ideal for the outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease in deer in the southern part of the province this year," warns LFGA member, Jennifer de Jager, who has an interest in wildlife diseases. "I've talked with other hunters past years and heard of suspected Bluetongue (the viral equivalent in cattle) deaths of whitetails around the Milk River region," says de Jager. However, neither Sustainable Resources Development nor Alberta Fish and Wildlife have had any reported cases in this region.
Multiple U.S. states are experiencing outbreaks of EHD in the last couple of weeks. Heat and drought conditions have been ideal for the biting flies that cause EHD this year. There is potential for an EHD outbreak to influence cattle and sheep populations. Livestock owners who suspect Hemorrhagic or Bluetongue disease are urged to seek veterinary assistance or report dying/dead deer to Fish & Wildlife.
Deer with the insect-borne disease come down with high fevers and seek out water immediately. They often have pronounced swelling of the head, tongue, neck and eyelids and may have trouble breathing. Signs of the disease develop within 7 days of infection. Deer with the more virulent strain experience internal bleeding and often bleed from their mouths and anuses. Death often occurs one to 3 days after symptoms emerge. Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease tends to affect whitetail populations more than mule deer.
Approximately two-thirds of infected deer will survive, and once they've had the disease they develop a natural immunity that prevents recurrence. Recovering deer may have split and layered-looking hooves. These deer are safe for human consumption, but it is advised to field dress animals quickly to prevent bacterial build up.
<http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/> Government of Alberta
Kim Morton, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Alberta Fish & Wildlife, encourages all sportsmen to report any observations of wildlife exhibiting abnormal signs (i.e. growths, lumps) or peculiar behaviour (i.e. walking in circles) to the local Fish & Wildlife office at 381-5266.

Hide Collection Depots

It is that time of year again when everyone should be looking for a place to take their wild game hides. We have three collection depots set up and the depots have asked that no heads - only hides be dropped off. You can drop off your hides at:

Wildlife Taxidermy, 507 - 3 St E (in the alley), Brooks;
Alberta Prairie Meats, Duchess; and
Spragg's Meat Shop in Rosemary.

Remember to ask for the hide donation card and fill it out, we will turn them into Alberta Fish and Game and you will be entered in the hide collection special draw.

Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance and Deer Hunting Opportunities for 2007

Copies of this and further information outlining the efforts of Sustainable Resource Development's Fish and Wildlife Division to control CWD are also available on the website www.srd.alberta.ca/fishwildlife/livingwith/diseases/.
Extensive information about how hunters can help control CWD is covered in the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations 2007, pages 27, 65-66 and inside front cover as well.
Hunters are reminded to submit deer heads from Wildlife Management Units along the Alberta/Saskatchewan border from Cold Lake to Medicine Hat. Units immediately adjacent the border require mandatory submission of heads, while WMUs immediately west of those on the border are voluntary submission areas.
Freezers (available 24-hours) for dropping off heads are present throughout these WMUs, plus in Edmonton and Calgary. Maps of freezer locations are
posted widely and also are included on our disease web pages.
Hunting opportunities are increased through quota licences in WMUs 234 (at Chauvin/Edgerton), and portions of 150 and 151 (next to Empress). These quota licences are available through the under-subscribed licence system or as landowner licences for local residents.
Hunters will be notified of CWD test results within 6 weeks of submission of deer heads.