Bluetoungue illness, usually transmitted by gnats, affects such animals as deer, sheep, goats and cattle.

It does NOT affect humans.

Jeff McCrady, an officer with the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, says bluetongue has been found in some deceased deer in Southeast Ohio.

There is also a suspected, but not yet confirmed, case in Pleasants County.

Symptoms include fever and widespread hemorrhaging.

McCrady says a suspected case might involve a deceased deer found near a body of water, because deer which are hemorrhaging often seek out relief from dehydration.

Although it doesn't happen every year, bluetongue strikes in the fall.