Significant BC Deer Die Off

[IronNoggin]

Testing planned after 30 deer found dead in two weeks in Grand Forks, B.C.​

Samples have been collected to try and figure out what has killed at least 30 deer over the last two weeks in and around Grand Forks, B.C.

Jeff Gailey, president of the Grand Forks Wildlife Association, says he won't speculate on the cause, but the samples will be tested for bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease, which killed a large number of California bighorn sheep in the region in 2021.

Gailey says the animals all appear to be in good health when their bodies are found, though a young animal was recently discovered with some discharge.

He says the local veterinarian is not able to do the testing, so the samples will have to be taken nearly 200 kilometres north to Penticton for answers, hopefully by Wednesday.

Gailey says the uncertainty has people in the community on edge but that the deaths don't appear to be caused by chronic wasting disease, a different fatal illness that was discovered in B.C. for the first time last year.

The provincial government website describes EHD and bluetongue as similar hemorrhagic diseases where viruses cause sudden death.

"Hemorrhage and lack of oxygen in the blood result in a blue appearance of the oral mucosa, hence the name 'bluetongue'," the website says.

"Between eight and 36 hours following the onset of signs, animals usually go into shock, collapse and die," the website says.

Testing planned after 30 deer found dead in two weeks in Grand Forks, B.C. - Nelson News

Samples have been collected to try and figure out what has killed at least 30 deer over the last two weeks in and around Grand Forks, B.C.

www.castanet.net

 

[IronNoggin]

Deer in Grand Forks area affected by disease​

The Province has confirmed the presence of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in white-tailed deer in Grand Forks.

In the past week, nearly 100 deer were found deceased.

Following sampling and testing, the diagnosis was confirmed by the Province’s Animal Health Centre on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.

EHD is an infectious and fatal disease affecting white-tail deered, mule deer and bighorn sheep. EHD is part of the natural cycle for wildlife populations and is spread by small biting flies during particular weather conditions. The outbreak is expected to end when the weather becomes cool and wet, or there is a hard frost.

There is no direct evidence that the disease can be transmitted to humans and there have been no cases of the disease in humans. However, to prevent any potential risk of transmission or illness, Health Canada and the World Health Organization recommend people not eat meat or other parts of an animal infected with EHD.

The Province has worked in partnership and with support from community members. While managers and stewards cannot prevent outbreaks, reporting dead and sick wildlife is important. Anyone who sees wildlife exhibiting any symptoms, such as weight loss, drooling, poor co-ordination, stumbling or that appear to be generally sick with no obvious reason, is asked to report it through the 24/7 Report All Poachers and Polluters Line: 1 877 952-7277

To remove dead animals within the Grand Forks area, call Jeff Gailey at 250 442-9637.

Learn More:

To learn more about how to report sick, injured or dead wildlife, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/...-do-if-you-find-sick-injured-or-dead-wildlife

For more information on EHD, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/e...h-documents/epizootic_hemorrhagic_disease.pdf

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025WLRS0042-000958