Disease killing white-tailed deer in western ND

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota wildlife officials say a disease that kills white-tailed deer appears to be present in a large part of western North Dakota.

Game and Fish Wildlife Chief Randy Kreil (kryl) says the department received isolated reports of deer deaths from the disease known as EHD in August, and reports have continued to come in. He says more than 13,000 white-tailed deer hunting license holders are eligible for refunds, and Game and Fish is suspending the sale of remaining licenses in some hunting units on Friday.

EHD is spread by midges. It is almost always fatal to white-tailed deer but not to mule deer. It is not known to affect people.

North Dakota had not had significant deer deaths from the disease since 2005.

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