An epidemic running through Illinois' deer population is hitting central Illinois.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, is an epidemic that is impacting deer herds all over the country. Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Officer Ray Wichus says this disease in deer is killing off a lot of deer right now and symptoms in the deer include swelling in their head, neck and tongue.

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The disease is being carried through a biting gnat it only effects deer. Wichus encourages those who encounter deer they think is dead or dieing to contact DNR officials and they will come take a look at it. He says because of poaching cases, DNR officers will check for suspicious activity.

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EHD is a disease that is a present each year but Wichus explains because of the incredible drought and the amount of very hot days we've experienced this summer, the results of this epidemic have amplified. Wichus says over 700 deer have been reported dead, but he says that number is not accurate because of unreported deer found and untested deer.

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Wichus says while the number of deer killed by the disease is high, he believes within a couple years, herd numbers should be back to normal.

EHD is not a threat to people and other pets or livestock.