REPORT: Virus sample detected after multiple deer found dead between Lowville and Carthage is not transmissible to humans

JEFFERSON & LEWIS COUNTIES- Authorities are speaking out after nearly a dozen deer were found dead along the Black River earlier this month between Lowville and Carthage, NY.

WWNY-TV reported Wednesday afternoon that the New York State DEC collected a sample that tested positive for the bluetongue virus, which is reportedly spread through tiny midges that bite deer.

To clarify, experts emphasize that the disease cannot be transmitted to humans.

These 10 dead deer do not represent an outbreak, but can be alarming to see, says Cornell Wildlife Disease Ecologist Krysten Schuler.

Schuler added how deer can survive the disease, but some end up dying anyway.

The virus is known to spread during the later summer months and into early fall.

NYS DEC image.