Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has received reports of dead and dying deer and antelope across Region 5, with reports concentrated along rivers.

Testing of several carcasses confirmed epizootic hemorrhagic disease and blue tongue. Both are viral infections spread by biting midges, and neither poses a risk to people.

FWP said meat from animals that appear healthy when harvested remains safe to eat when properly cooked. Hunters should not harvest or consume animals that appear sick.

FWP staff are continuing to monitor the situation. The agency said the public does not need to submit additional reports of suspected hemorrhagic-disease deaths, including dead animals found along waterways in Yellowstone and Big Horn counties.