A deadly disease transmitted through the bite of an insect is what the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency says could be causing the deaths of white-tailed deer. According to officials, the TWRA says they have received reports of around 300 of the dead deer this year with most coming from the northern and eastern parts of the state. They say the likely cause of the deaths could be attributed to Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease which is transmitted by biting midges and gnats. The disease causes fever, respiratory distress and swelling of the neck or tongue. TWRA Agents suspect that the deaths will begin to diminish with the approach of winter frosts which will kill the bugs. If you know of any deaths of the deer, please report them to the TWRA so that the disease’s progress can be monitored.