Kentucky hunters are reporting an alarming rise in sick and dead whitetails this fall as an outbreak of Hemorrhagic Disease (HD) sweeps through nearly every corner of the state. As of late September, more than 1,000 deer have been reported dead or dying, with officials confirming dozens of positive cases and warning that more are likely coming.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) has logged 553 reports from 94 counties, with a total of 1,074 deer affected. Biologists say the majority of reports involve deer found near water where they often go to cool down after running a high fever, a hallmark symptom of the disease.
“I found about a dozen dead on my 230 acres in central Kentucky,” said Tim Kuhn, a hunter from Scott County. “It’s worse than people think.”
What Is Hemorrhagic Disease?
Hemorrhagic Disease refers to two closely related viruses: Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (EHDV) and Bluetongue Virus (BTV). Both are spread by tiny biting midges, often referred to as “no-see-ums,” that thrive in warm, wet conditions. The flies are most active in late summer and early fall, and the first hard frost of the season usually puts an end to the outbreak.
Once infected, a deer typically shows symptoms within seven days. From there, things progress quickly. Some whitetails will appear lethargic, stumble as they walk, or be seen lying in water trying to cool off. Others may exhibit swelling around the head or tongue and have difficulty breathing.
“The worst part is you rarely get a second chance to help,” said one hunter from Boone County. “By the time you see symptoms, it’s almost always too late.”
How Serious Is the 2025 Outbreak?
Kentucky sees some level of HD activity every year, but outbreaks of this scale typically occur every five to seven years. The last major outbreak occurred in 2017, primarily in the eastern part of the state. This year, however, the reports are widespread and growing quickly.
According to KDFWR, 19 of the 32 lab-tested samples have already come back positive. Eleven additional samples are pending results. State wildlife officials are continuing to collect and analyze reports, and they encourage the public to report any sick or dead deer using their online tool.
Hunters on Facebook have been sounding off, some sharing their own photos of dead deer near ponds or trails. Others, like Kentucky resident Ben Dreyer, are doing their job and alerting officials.
“A friend of mine found this doe in his pond last night in southern Campbell” Dreyer wrote. “Suspected EHD, but it is to decomposed to test. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources have been contacted. Anyone else finding any dead deer in NKY?”
What to Watch For in the Field
Not all deer infected with HD will die. Some may develop immunity and pass antibodies on to future generations. Others may never show visible signs of the disease. That’s part of what makes tracking outbreaks so difficult.
If you’re in the woods and notice deer acting strange—panting, staggering, or wading into water mid-day—it’s worth reporting to KDFWR. They won’t remove the carcass, but if it’s in good enough condition, a biologist may collect a sample.
Reports help state biologists build a map of the disease’s reach and learn more about how future outbreaks may be prevented, or at least predicted.
Is the Meat Safe to Eat?
Even though HD is not contagious to humans, and there’s no evidence that EHDV or BTV can infect people or spread to pets, hunters should take precautions. If a deer looks sick or was found dead, don’t eat it. Any game meat should be thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill potential bacteria or parasites.
Officials also recommend not letting dogs scavenge infected carcasses, just to be safe.
Will It Affect Deer Season?
So far, no. Kentucky’s deer herd is estimated at around 1 million animals, and biologists say most deer will not be affected by this outbreak. There are no changes to hunting seasons or bag limits, and many expect the outbreak to taper off quickly once the first frost hits.
Still, hunters are encouraged to keep an eye out, especially in areas with high midge activity or around water sources.
How to Report Suspected HD Cases
If you find a dead or sick deer in Kentucky, you can report it directly to KDFWR using their online form.
Whether you’re in the stand or just walking your property, your report could help protect the health of the deer herd across the state.
