Possible new deer disease in Gulf Islands

B.C. says it is tracking a possible outbreak of a new disease in deer in the Gulf Islands.

Adenovirus hemorrhagic disease is suspected as the cause of death of more than 60 deer.

However, the government says in a news release Friday that further testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Experts say there is no known human health risk from the virus, and there is no evidence that it can be transmitted to humans. However, the government is alerting hunters in the area not to consume meat from animals found dead, obviously ill or acting abnormally before death.

Wildlife professionals have been investigating since deer were discovered dead on Galiano Island in September. There are also suspected cases on Mayne Island and the smaller Parker Island. Samples from these animals were sent to Canadian and United States laboratories to confirm the cause of the disease, according to the government.

Cervids — mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose and caribou — are all susceptible to the disease. However, members of the black-tailed deer family, including mule deer, appear to be most severely affected. In addition, fawns are far more susceptible than adults. The disease course is usually rapid and fatal.

Acute signs of the disease include difficulty breathing, foaming or drooling from the mouth, diarrhea (sometimes bloody) and seizures. More chronic symptoms include ulcers and abscesses in the mouth and throat.

Anyone observing deer displaying these signs should report it to the Wildlife Health Laboratory at 250-751-7246.