Dead deer found in Oregon had lethal virus

MYRTLE POINT, Ore. - Biologists with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife say a black-tailed deer found dead in Myrtle Point was infected with a virus that is lethal to the species.

The Coos Bay World reported that the virus is known as A-H-D and is spread by direct contact.

This is the first confirmed case in Coos County.

About 400 deer died of the virus near Sisters in central Oregon in 2002.

Symptoms include frothing at the mouth, diarrhea and weakness.

Animals that have been infected usually die in two to five days.

There are no known instances of transmission to humans, but biologists are still urging hunters to wear gloves when handling deer .