A recent increase in deer deaths have been reported on the Flathead
Reservation from the Hot Springs, Valley View and multiple Mission Valley areas.
The CSKT Wildlife Management Program suspects that a hemorrhagic disease
(EHD), is responsible for these white-tailed deer deaths.
The disease is suspected to be in these areas, as the disease can persist in an
area for 2-3 years after an initial outbreak. CSKT Wildlife is waiting for results
from samples taken last week, and will keep the public up to date on our cskt.org
website. Though it is a viral disease transmitted by biting midges, it is not
contagious to humans but can influence deer and elk species. Outbreaks tend to
occur near water sources in late-summer and early fall when certain small fly
species emerge. It is not necessary for the public to report additional dead deer
suspected of EHD in suspected or confirmed areas, but potential outbreaks
observed in new areas of the Reservation should be reported by emailing
Wildlife@cskt.org or calling the Wildlife Conflict Call number at 406-275-2774.
It is important to note that, while the disease can cause significant die-offs in
localized deer populations, the outbreaks are usually short-lived and not wide-
spread. Effected areas are generally localized and not spread across large
areas. Meat from animals that appear healthy at the time of harvest remain safe
to eat when properly cooked, though please consider having any harvested
animal tested for Chronic Wasting Disease.
EHD Suspected to be responsible for the local white-tailed deer deaths