Virus Hits West Herds

Continued concern over a deadly deer virus is moving westward, as wildlife officials in Wyoming are expecting what could be the worst die-off in decades at and around the Black Hills region in the northeastern part of the state.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease has been confirmed in as many as 15 states in recent weeks

“Our deer numbers are down right now anyway, and this sure isn’t helping anything,” said Joe Sandrini, a Wyoming Game and Fish Department biologist based in Newcastle, Wyo.

Officials had said they expected a die-off due to EHD, thanks in part to drought conditions this summer that have allowed biting midge flies to flourish. The flies carry...