Nebraska Game and Parks asks public to report dead, sick big game animals

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska Game and Parks is asking the public to report unexplained death or illnesses of big game animals across the state.

Wildlife officials said conditions in certain areas of Nebraska are suitable for the spread of deadly diseases among deer, pronghorn, elk and bighorn sheep.

In big game animals, epizootic hemorrhagic disease can cause swelling, lesions, incoordination and loss of fear of humans.

The symptoms and spread are similar to bluetongue disease, another disorder that can kill certain wildlife and affect livestock.

While both these diseases don’t affect humans, they can be very destructive to big game populations.

These diseases are most common in the late summer until the first frost, and are transported by tiny midges or gnats.

When animals congregate at a water source during a drought, the insects have potential to spread the virus to more animals.

Most of Nebraska has had ample rain this summer, but the most recent report from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows abnormally dry conditions in southwestern Nebraska and the panhandle.

Infected animals will often seek water for relief and die in or near it.

Observations of unhealthy big game animals or unexplained deaths should be reported to a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office.