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By Veronica Beltran

AHD possibility in BC deer

Province looking into possible deadly disease among deer in B.C.

Oct 3, 2020 | 6:00 AM

VICTORIA—The Province says it’s tracking a new possible disease in deer on the Gulf Islands.

A release by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development says that Adenovirus hemorrhagic disease (AHD) is suspected as the cause of death of over 60 deer on at least two Gulf Islands.

“Further testing is needed to confirm a definitive diagnosis.”—Release by Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development

The province adds that there is no known human health risk from the virus, and that there is no evidence that it can be transmitted to humans. Research also indicates that the disease is not transmissible to livestock and pets.

Hunters in the area are being advised not to consume meat from animals found dead, obviously ill or acting abnormally prior to death.

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Samples from the animals have been sent to Canadian and United States laboratories to confirm the cause of the disease. AHD was originally discovered in California, and cases are recorded in the western United States annually with outbreaks in some locations. B.C. has never documented the disease before.

Cervids (mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose and caribou) are all susceptible to the disease. Members of the black-tailed deer family (including mule deer) appear to be most severely affected. In addition, fawns are far more susceptible than adults and suffer much higher rates of death. The disease course is usually rapid and fatal as the virus damages small blood vessels in the lungs and intestines.

Signs of the disease include difficulty breathing, foaming or drooling from the mouth, diarrhea (sometimes bloody) and seizures. More chronic symptoms include ulcers and abscesses in the mouth and throat. Anyone observing deer displaying these signs should report it to the Wildlife Health Laboratory at 250 751-7246.