TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey wildlife officials have issued warnings about a virus that's infecting the state's white-tailed deer population.
The advisory issued Tuesday concerns Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, which spreads among deer though the bites of midge flies but cannot be transmitted to people. EHD has already been found in Gloucester, Salem and Warren counties, while test results are pending for several other counties.
DEP officials say humans are not at risk by handling infected deer, being bitten by infected midges or eating meat from infected deer. But they warn against eating meat from any game animal that appears ill.
Deer infected with EHD can show such symptoms as drooling, foaming from the mouth or nose, and difficulty standing. Deer that contract the disease typically die within five to 10 days of infection.
