A widespread outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, EHD,  is affecting New Jersey deer in all drainages of the inner and outer coastal plain.  This area includes the counties of Monmouth, Morris, Middlesex, Ocean, Burlington, Atlantic, Camden, Cumberland, Salem and Cape May.   Dr. Douglas Rosco indicated that this current outbreak is different from those of past years in that it is not the normal type 1 virus but the type 2 virus that is causing this years mortality.  This is the first time that the type 2 virus has been isolated in New Jersey.  White-tailed deer that have been exposed to the type 1 virus and have survived were able to build up antibodies that would give them limited protection from the virus for several years.  Since this is the first time that the type 2 virus has been isolated in New Jersey our deer have not had a chance to build up antibodiesto this new virus. To date over 200 dead deer have been recovered, 70 from Hillsborough Township and 130 from the Mullica River drainage in Atlantic, Camden and Burlington Counties.
 
"Locally it can decimate a population, but over all New Jersey's deer heard is healthy enough", he said.  Hunters observing dead deer or deer acting abnormally are asked to report their findings to Dr. Roscoe, at the Division of Fish and Wildlife, by calling (908) 735-6398.
 
Click here for a series of frequently asked questions that will help you understand what EHD is and how it effects you.
 
 
Ed Markowski. President
NJSFSC