New deer disease?

[Rebel SS]

Minnesota officials confirm outbreak of deer-killing disease
September 12, 2019 04:04 PM

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A deadly deer virus has been confirmed in a group of whitetails in central Minnesota.
   
State wildlife officials say epizootic hemorrhagic disease isn't contagious but can sharply lessen deer herds before the danger concludes with the first frost.
   
The outbreak in Stearns County is said to have killed up to 20 or more deer. Two deer carcasses fit for testing and tissue samples from both tested positive at National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.
   
The Star Tribune reports that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced the lab results Wednesday.
   
The rapidly developing disease is carried by biting midges, also known as gnats and no-see-ums.
   
Most deer die within 36 hours of exhibiting signs of the disease. The virus isn't known to cause disease in humans.


                                                         

[savage270]

We get this in North Dakota every 5 years or so.  It seems to be at its worst whenever we have a hot dry summer and usually occurs in just the SW part of the state.  Its been so bad a few times that the Game & Fish actually bought back licenses in some units.  I'm actually surprised that MN has the right climate conditions to have an outbreak.

Caused by biting midges, not biting midgets

[Rebel SS]

We've had such a soggy record-busting year, that there are hoards of midges. Was an article about a chicken farm here that had their chickens die from so many midges that they suffocated. I had the side of my house covered solid in them the other day, had to go spray it down with insecticide they were so bad. Actually, midges are not supposed to bite, either....

From Entomology...

Midges and gnats are common names for a large number of small, non-biting flies. Many species look like mosquitoes and may form annoying swarms or clouds in the air but they do not bite. ... These tiny flies do not feed. They only live long enough to mate, lay eggs, and die.

So, what's the DNR talking about? 

[glenn57]

this area is about a 1/2 hour drive from where i live. i drive through St. Stephen when i head to the cabin.  the DNR did a water drawdown on little rock lake thats just off hwy 10. its a real shallow lake and looks like a cesspool in the summer. there intent was to lower the water level allow some of the rich crap that causes the alge to die off and plant usefull plants along the shorelines.

there is talk that these midges hatch and produce rather well in that mucky mud. thats what some think, but the DNR hasnt admitted to it. people claim they have seen swarms of bugs flying away from that lake recently.   there is a pretty good conversation about it over on IDO!

[Rebel SS]

Well, no sh$$ that would be a perfect breeding ground! Good ol' MN DNR... 


ENTFACT-632: Midges and Gnats  |  Download PDF

by Lee Townsend, Extension Entomologist
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture

Midges and gnats are common names for a large number of small, non-biting flies. Many species look like mosquitoes and may form annoying swarms or clouds in the air but they do not bite. The immature stages develop in water in pools, containers, ponds, clogged rain gutters, or in some cases, wet soil or seepage areas. Most feed on living or decaying plant matter in ponds and muddy areas.

[Leech~~]

Well at least it sounds like we don't have to kill everything in a 50 mile circle with this one! 

[glenn57]

ya know, boars pretty quiet...............wonder if he isnt on his way down to pick up some venision!!!!!!!!!

[Rebel SS]

Could be....there's a new snausage flavor out!   

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[Rebel SS]

Cripes...I'm helping derail my own thread!!!  Danged Glenn!   

[glenn57]

Cripes...I'm helping derail my own thread!!!  Danged Glenn!   

[Rebel SS]

https://www.kaaltv.com/news/minnesota-dnr-deer-carcasses/5543467/?cat=10151