Two Diseases Killing Hundreds Of Deer In Eastern Washington

(Spokane, WA) -- Washington wildlife officials are monitoring a pair of deadly diseases they say are decimating deer populations in the eastern part of the state. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says they've confirmed the presence of bluetongue hemorrhagic disease and epizootic hemorrhagic disease in tissue samples from afflicted deer. The department says there have been more than 500 reports of dead or sick deer in eastern Washington since August. Officials believe the outbreak will end as the weather continues to get colder. The disease cannot spread to humans.