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Neb. Hunters Asked To Report Sick Deer
LINCOLN, Neb. — Hunters in the field this fall are asked to report any deer they see that appear to be ill, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Officials are trying to determine the cause of an illness that has some deer behaving abnormally.
Sightings of sick deer have been reported across the state over the past few years. Officials are trying to determine what illness is resulting in odd deer behavior.
Anyone who sees a deer that appears to be ill should contact the nearest Commission office. There have been reports of deer constantly walking in circles as tight as 6 feet in diameter. These deer, even when on the ground, also appear to show no fear in humans. The illness appears in white-tailed deer but seems to be more prevalent in mule deer.
Some of the sick deer have been euthanized and samples taken to the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center in Lincoln. No positive diagnosis has been made. Samples will be forwarded to federal labs for further testing.
The illness appears to be a virus, according to Bruce Trindle, Commission wildlife disease specialist in the Norfolk office. It still is unknown what kind of threat the illness would be to the deer population or livestock.
Trindle said hunters should be cautious when in the field. If a deer is suspected of being sick, it should not be taken, he said.
Commission district offices and phone numbers are: Alliance, (308) 763-2940; North Platte, (308) 535-8025; Kearney, (308) 865-5310; Bassett, (402) 684-2921; Norfolk, (402) 370-3374; and Lincoln, (402) 471-0641.
Sightings of sick deer have been reported across the state over the past few years. Officials are trying to determine what illness is resulting in odd deer behavior.
Anyone who sees a deer that appears to be ill should contact the nearest Commission office. There have been reports of deer constantly walking in circles as tight as 6 feet in diameter. These deer, even when on the ground, also appear to show no fear in humans. The illness appears in white-tailed deer but seems to be more prevalent in mule deer.
Some of the sick deer have been euthanized and samples taken to the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center in Lincoln. No positive diagnosis has been made. Samples will be forwarded to federal labs for further testing.
The illness appears to be a virus, according to Bruce Trindle, Commission wildlife disease specialist in the Norfolk office. It still is unknown what kind of threat the illness would be to the deer population or livestock.
Trindle said hunters should be cautious when in the field. If a deer is suspected of being sick, it should not be taken, he said.
Commission district offices and phone numbers are: Alliance, (308) 763-2940; North Platte, (308) 535-8025; Kearney, (308) 865-5310; Bassett, (402) 684-2921; Norfolk, (402) 370-3374; and Lincoln, (402) 471-0641.
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