Ten deer found dead along Black River; DEC confirms bluetongue in one sample

Ten deer were found dead earlier this month along the Black River between Carthage and Lowville. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said one sample tested positive for bluetongue virus, which is spread by infected biting midges.

Bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease are related viruses carried by the small insects, sometimes called no-see-ums. The DEC says the viruses do not affect humans or pets. The diseases typically spread in late summer and early fall, and the first hard frost kills the midges and ends transmission.

Cornell wildlife disease ecologist Krysten Schuler said the deaths do not represent an outbreak, although finding multiple dead deer can be alarming. Deer can sometimes survive infection, while other deer may die within several days of becoming sick.

The middle section of the Black River runs about 40 miles from Lyons Falls to Carthage and is used for fishing and canoeing. Bluetongue was first confirmed in New York deer in 2022, when it was detected in Southampton in Suffolk County.

People who see sick or dead deer can submit a report through the DEC's online EHD reporting form or contact the nearest DEC regional wildlife office. The agency advises against harvesting or eating an animal that appears sick. DEC information on the disease is available through its wildlife-health page.