Document text
0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Litha Park time capsule donations due by Friday ... Ticket availability ... Toxicology tests shed no light on distance runner Todd Ragsdale's death ... Litha Park time capsule donations due by Friday ... Ticket availability ... Toxicology tests shed no light on distance runner Todd Ragsdale's death ... WILDLIFE Deer virus can cause foaming at the mouth Residents should not feed or water deer, should avoid contact Comment By Caitlin Fowlkes For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Caitlin Fowlkes For the Tidings Posted Jun. 28, 2016 at 7:13 PM Updated Jun 28, 2016 at 7:14 PM By Caitlin Fowlkes For the Tidings Posted Jun. 28, 2016 at 7:13 PM Updated Jun 28, 2016 at 7:14 PM » RELATED CONTENT • City clamping down on deer feeders • Deadly virus stalks Southern Oregon deer » Social News A virus may affect deer population around the Ashland area. Although only a handful of sick deer have been reported this year, the adenovirus hemorrhagic disease (AHD) can spread quickly through large populations of deer. As documented by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, AHD was first identified in California in 1994 and has since spread throughout central and southwest Oregon. Large outbreaks have occurred every couple of years, but the cause is still unknown. “We’re still trying to figure out what’s going on, what triggers it and why some years it has a big effect, and some years not so much,” said Sam Dodenhoff, assistant wildlife biologist of Rogue Watershed District. Visible symptoms include rapid or open mouth breathing, foaming or drooling at the mouth and weakness. Death can occur within three to five days after the deer has been exposed. Strong adults may survive, according to ODFW. “You’ll tend to see more infected deer in residential areas where they’re being fed and watered,” said Dodenhoff. AHD is contracted through direct contact, bodily fluids and possibly airborne routes. It is important to not feed and water deer because that is one way the disease spreads. There have been no reports of humans or other animals contracting the disease from deer. The rate of how quickly AHD is spread determines on how many other deer the infected come into contact with, according to Dodenhoff. “You really see more sick deer in larger populations,” said Dodenhoff. The last outbreak in the Rogue Valley was in 2014. “Sometimes we’ll get quite a few calls,” said Dodenhoff. “So far this year, it’s been really slow.” People should avoid contact with wildlife, especially if they appear ill. If for some reason it is necessary to move an infected or deceased animal, use gloves and stay clear of bodily fluids. The wildlife department records the amount of sick deer in the area, to keep track of outbreaks, according to Dodenhoff. Report any signs of sick wildlife to the ODFW Rogue Watershed District office at 541-826-8774. Contact Tidings intern Caitlin Fowlkes at [email protected]. By Caitlin Fowlkes For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Caitlin Fowlkes For the Tidings Posted Jun. 28, 2016 at 7:13 PM Updated Jun 28, 2016 at 7:14 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. DailyTidings.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501