Sightings of “zombie deer” are on the rise in Ohio, according to wildlife officials.
The deer are suffering from Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), which doesnt affect humans or other livestock, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Its caused by the bite of an infected midge, a type of fly.
A video shared by the Colerain Police Department shows an encounter with a zombie deer on the side of a road in Colerain Township, a suburb of Cincinnati, on Aug. 22. One officer can be heard saying the animal has “pretty bad road rash.” An officer can be seen retrieving a weapon before the video ends.
Symptoms of EDH include disorientation, weakness, and swelling of the head, tongue and eyelids. Infected deer show little or no fear of humans.
According to the ODNR, outbreaks are often associated with drought. There is currently no treatment for EDH in wild populations, the agency says.
