In a press release, FWP officials say that while lab testing has not yet confirmed the viral disease, the outbreak’s timing makes it suspect to one of two common types of hemorrhagic disease. Both forms of the viral disease — epizootic hemorrhagic disease and blue tongue — are transmitted by biting midges. They primarily affect white-tailed deer, but mule deer and other species, including antelope, can be impacted. The disease can cause significant losses in localized deer populations, but outbreaks are usually short-lived and confined to certain areas, according to FWP. FWP officials in northwest Montana said it is not necessary for the public to report additional dead deer suspected of dying from hemorrhagic disease.