SPOKANE, Wash. — An outbreak of hemorrhagic disease is impacting the deer population in eastern Washington, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Officials have detected epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and a similar disease known as “bluetongue.” Stevens and Spokane counties have been hit hardest by the outbreak. EHD primarily affects white-tailed deer, while bluetongue can also impact sheep, cattle, and goats.
Symptoms of these diseases include disorientation, lethargy, and, as the condition progresses, blood-tinged foaming at the mouth. Deer typically succumb to the disease within a day or two…