EHD, or epizootic hemorrhagic disease, spreads to deer when they are bitten by infected midges, also called “no-see-ums.” The disease emerges in late summer and remains a threat usually until the first hard frost, when the midges die off, the commission said.

Test results are pending for dead deer in southwestern and southeastern Pennsylvania.

Deer mortality can be severe in local areas where EHD is present, the commission said. The disease can infect domestic livestock and Pennsylvania elk. However, elk are considered less susceptible to infection.

The commission asked the public to report sick or dead deer to 1 (833) 742-9453. Sick livestock should be reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at (717) 772-2852.