Following an increase in reports of sick and dead deer, Washington wildlife officials have confirmed the presence of a fast-spreading, deadly viral infection in the species in the San Juan Islands.
The viral infection, known as adenovirus hemorrhagic disease (AHD), was first discovered in California in 1993 and is specific to the deer family. Lab results from the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Washington State University confirmed the presence of the virus earlier this month.
“This is the first documented instance of this disease in Washington since the last outbreak in Goldendale in 2017,” Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) veterinarian Kristin Mansfield said in a news release.
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