ODFW: Dead S. Oregon deer had lethal virus
MYRTLE POINT, Ore. (AP) — Biologists with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife say a black-tailed deer found dead in Myrtle Point was infected with a virus that is lethal to the species.
The Coos Bay World reported Wednesday (http://bit.ly/2e6uGhJ) that the virus is known as A-H-D and is spread by direct contact.
This is the first confirmed case in Coos County.
About 400 deer died of the virus near Sisters in 2002. Symptoms include frothing at the mouth, diarrhea and weakness. Animals that have been infected usually die in two to five days.
There are no known instances of transmission to humans, but biologists are still urging hunters to wear gloves when dressing deer and to cook the meat thoroughly.
