Hemorrhagic disease (HD) is a natural virus in white-tailed deer that appears seasonally in the late summer or early fall and ends after the first hard frost. Each year, WVDNR biologists monitor outbreaks by investigating reports, testing samples and tracking the disease across the state.
While outbreaks can cause localized die-offs, these usually do not have any substantial effect on the deer population in the area. More widespread HD outbreaks with high deer mortality are rare events in West Virginia, and deer populations rebound strongly within a few years following the event.
NOTE: The following information was last updated on September 30, 2025.
Counties with Confirmed Cases of HD
| County | Dead Deer Reported to WVDNR |
|---|---|
| Calhoun | 19 |
| Doddridge | 4 |
| Harrison | 33 |
| Jackson | 390 |
| Kanawha | 27 |
| Lewis | 9 |
| Lincoln | 9 |
| Marion | 9 |
| Marshall | 41 |
| Mason | 72 |
| Pleasants | 34 |
| Putnam | 11 |
| Ritchie | 109 |
| Roane | 48 |
| Taylor | 10 |
| Tyler | 130 |
| Wayne | 3 |
| Wirt | 165 |
| Wood | 559 |
| Total | 1,733 |
Note: The WVDNR has collected samples for testing in other counties and continues to investigate public reports of sick and dead deer across the state.
Key Facts about HD
Members of the public should keep in mind the following facts regarding HD in West Virginia deer.
- HD is not a risk to humans or pets. HD does not infect people and does not impact the safety of properly prepared venison from healthy deer.
- HD is spread by biting flies. HD is transmitted through the bite of an infected midge (a small fly). New cases stop once a hard freeze kills the midges.
- HD is common in white-tailed deer. HD is one of the most widespread deer diseases in the United States, especially in late summer and early fall.
- HD can cause die-offs. Outbreaks can result in high deer mortality in localized areas, though not all deer in affected areas will be infected. Populations typically recover within a few years.
- HD is a fast-acting disease. Infected deer can die within a few days of showing symptoms.
- HD has no cure. While there is currently no way to treat HD in the wild, some infected deer recover fully, developing antibodies that protect them against future infection.
- HD symptoms appear in deer within a week of exposure. Deer with HD may appear weak or disoriented, may exhibit swelling in the head, neck, tongue and/or eyelids, and may seek out water sources. They often show little to no fear of humans and may exhibit labored breathing or, less commonly, bleeding from the nose, mouth or rectum.
- HD is not Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). HD should not be confused with CWD, which is a different disease with long-term impacts on wild deer populations that the WVDNR manages under special regulations. To learn more about CWD and special regulations regarding West Virginia’s CWD containment area, check page 14 in the Hunting Regulations Summary, available to download at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations.
For More Information
If you see a sick or dead deer, please report it immediately to your local WVDNR district office.
Contact Us
WVDNR Headquarters
(304) 558-6200
[email protected]
District 1
(304) 825-6787
District 2
(304) 822-3551
District 3
(304) 924-6211
District 4
(304) 256-6945
District 5
(304) 756-1023
District 6
(304) 420-4550