Deer in Northern California are dealing with a deadly, highly contagious virus called adenovirus hemorrhagic disease.
In the early 1990s, thousands of deer died of adenovirus hemorrhagic disease during a major California outbreak that spread across 18 counties.
The illness isn’t known to affect people or pets, but it can be devastating for deer populations.
According to HuffPost, wildlife experts say the best way for the deer to save themselves is to practice their own version of social distancing.
In other words, humans should do what they can to discourage the deer from congregating in large numbers.
Officials have asked people to secure their garbage and not leave food out for deer, which can encourage large numbers of deer to gather in one place.
They need to stay socially distanced apart from each other so they don’t spread the virus between them. It’s a really interesting parallel with what’s happening with humans. Alison Hermance, Spokesperson, WildCare Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
