Bluetongue Disease hits Eureka deer herd
By Moosetrack Megan

Posted: October 10, 2015

More than 60 deer have died so far this fall from bluetongue disease near Eureka. The fatal disease has been known to kill as much as 75 percent of deer populations, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is asking that anyone who sees sick-looking deer call 406-752-5501.

The disease is tranferred via a midge and can impact deer, mule deer, antelope and domestic sheep. Meat from infected animals is safe to eat.

This is the first case of the disease being reported in the Eureka area. In years past the disease has been found east of the Rocky Mountain Front, with one outbreak of the disease reported in the Hamilton area a few years ago.

Outbreaks typically cease after frost kills the infecting midges.

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