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Sisters, Oregon
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Disease strikes deer in Sisters country
By Jim Anderson

Mule deer in the Sisters country have been struck by disease.

Two dead mule deer found recently near Panoramic Estates northeast of Sisters have been diagnosed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) biologists to have died from Adenovirus (AHD) infection.

"The virus was first detected in mule deer that wintered near Crooked River Ranch," ODFW biologist Steve George said

George added that about 200 deer have died from the infection so far. George also said that the illness has been found only in mule deer in this region.

The virus was first reported in the Northwest in 1994 when several thousand mule and black-tailed deer were discovered dead in Northern California.

Deer infected with Adenovirus display rapid, open mouth breathing and foaming or drooling at the mouth. Death will usually occur within a week due to pneumonia and massive hemorrhaging in the lungs and mouth.

Anyone observing these clinical signs in deer, or discovering dead animals, is asked to contact biologists Corey Heath or Steve George at ODFW regional headquarters in Bend, 388-6363.

This family of viruses was first thought to be limited to young animals, but recent infections indicate it may cause large-scale outbreaks throughout all ages of deer populations statewide. There are no known examples, however, of AHD spreading from deer to humans or any known health risks from eating meat from an infected deer.

The virus is transmitted by direct contact within deer populations, and is possibly airborne. Time between deer exposed to the virus and displaying signs of the illness is thought to be about one week.

Studies show that deer congregated in large herds are especially vulnerable.

ODFW is urging people to avoid feeding or watering deer in any domestic situations; attracting deer with feeding and watering stations may promote and increase transmission of the illness.

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