Possible Disease Outbreak in West-Central New Jersey Deer

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is advising hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts in the East Amwell, Hopewell and Hillsborough areas of west-central New Jersey to be alert for white-tailed deer that are experiencing symptoms of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), a localized virus that spreads among deer though the bites of midge flies.

EHD is not a public health issue. It cannot be transmitted to people, and humans are not at risk by handling infected deer, being bitten by infected midges, or eating infected deer meat - though the Division of Fish and Wildlife strongly advises against consuming meat from any game animal that appears ill.

For more information on this possible outbreak of EHD visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/newsrel/2011/11_0103.htm on the DEP website.

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