KENTUCKY (WDKY) – Kentucky’s white-tailed deer are experiencing an outbreak of a contagious disease caused by small, biting insects.

The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources (KYDFWR) announced on Facebook Thursday morning that the Commonwealth is experiencing an outbreak of Hemorrhagic Disease (HD).

Officials said the midge population peaks in summer, particularly in areas with heavy rainfall early, followed by dry weather. These conditions cultivate ideal conditions for midge reproduction.

Fish and Wildlife said deer affected with HD often spike fevers and seek out water to cool off. It’s due to this behavior that many deer infected with HD are found dead near ponds or streams.

HD is not deadly to all deer. Some deer develop antibodies that they pass along to their offspring, according to Fish and Wildlife.

As of Sept. 22, officials are reporting that around 1,074 deer have been reported sick or dead, and there are 553 reports across Kentucky, affecting 94 counties.

Fish and Wildlife officials said 32 samples have been submitted, 19 of which were positive for HD, with 11 still pending.

Symptoms of HD include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Lameness
• Swelling of the head, neck, tongue, or conjunctiva

Officials are emphasizing that HD is not the same as Chronic Wasting Disease, and it is not contagious to humans, nor does it spread to most pets.

More information about the disease can also be found at the KYDFWR website.