Jennings County leads state in suspected deer EHD cases

(NORTH VERNON, Ind.) – Jennings County is leading the state in the number of white-tailed deer found with the Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD).

EHD is more common in white-tailed deer and does not affect humans.

It is often fatal to deer, but some survive and develop immunity. Deer that have died from EHD may have a swollen tongue, eyelids, neck, or head.

According to the Indiana DNR, there have been 242 suspected cases in Jennings County. The next highest in Indiana is Jackson County with 152. 

Ripley, Franklin, Decatur, Dearborn counties each have less than 30 suspected cases. 

There have been 54 cases in Switzerland County. 

During the hunting season, if you find a deer that has similar grooves in all its hooves, the animal may have survived an EHD infection. Such a deer is safe to handle and eat.