KENTUCKY (WDKY) – Kentucky’s white-tailed deer are experiencing an outbreak of a contagious disease caused by small, biting insects.

The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources (KYDFWR) revealed in a Facebook post on Thursday morning that the Commonwealth is dealing with an outbreak of Hemorrhagic Disease (HD).

Officials noted that the midge population tends to peak during the summer months, especially in regions that experience significant rainfall early on, followed by dry conditions. These environmental factors create optimal circumstances for midge reproduction.

The Fish and Wildlife department explained that deer afflicted with HD often develop fevers and seek out water to cool down. As a result of this behavior, many deer suffering from HD are found deceased near ponds or streams.

HD is not deadly to all deer. Some deer develop antibodies that they pass along to their offspring, according to Fish and Wildlife.

As of September 22, officials have reported approximately 1,074 deer as sick or dead, with 553 reports logged across Kentucky, impacting 94 counties.

Fish and Wildlife officials said 32 samples have been submitted, 19 of which were positive for HD, with 11 still pending.

Symptoms of HD include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Lameness
• Swelling of the head, neck, tongue, or conjunctiva

Officials are emphasizing that HD is not the same as Chronic Wasting Disease, and it is not contagious to humans, nor does it spread to most pets.

More information about the disease can also be found at the KYDFWR website.