Fish and wildlife officials issue warning about sick, dead deer

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – State officials are warning hunters and residents about an outbreak affecting white-tailed deer across Kentucky.

According to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, more than 1,000 deer have been reported sick or dead in recent months due to a hemorrhagic disease outbreak. Officials say the illness, which occurs annually, is not contagious to humans and does not spread to most pets.

The department urges anyone who encounters a sick or dead deer to report it directly to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife.