HARRISBURG, Pa. (EYT) — The Pennsylvania Game Commission is asking for public reports of sick or dead deer to monitor the spread of a fatal virus, according to a recent announcement. The disease, epizootic hemorrhagic disease, has been confirmed in several northwestern Pennsylvania counties. Officials are also investigating other potential cases in the state.

Test results are pending for reports of dead deer in southwestern and southeastern Pennsylvania, according to the Game Commission.

The commission stated that public reports allow the agency to investigate and track outbreaks of the disease, also known as EHD.

So far this year, EHD has been detected in Butler, Erie, Lawrence, and Mercer counties, the commission reported. Specific locations include Muddy Creek Township in Butler County, Mill Creek Township in Erie County, Slippery Rock Township in Lawrence County, and both Liberty and Shenango townships in Mercer County.

EHD is a viral disease spread to deer by the bites of infected midges, which are small insects sometimes called “no-see-ums.” The disease appears in the late summer and continues to be a threat until the first hard frost kills the midges, according to the agency.

Infected deer often show signs of the disease about seven days after infection and typically die soon after. According to the Game Commission, signs of EHD include swelling of the face or neck, loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, lameness, respiratory distress, fever, and excessive salivation.

There is no treatment for the disease in wild deer. A related bluetongue virus can cause similar effects. The commission noted that local deer populations often rebound within two to three years following an outbreak.

Elk are considered less susceptible to the viruses.

The public is encouraged to report any sick or dead deer, particularly if multiple deer are found in one area with no apparent cause of death. The Game Commission can be contacted at 1-833-742-9453.

Both viruses can infect domestic livestock. Any reports of sick livestock should be made to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852.