Wisconsin reports over 1,100 deer deaths in 2026 epizootic hemorrhagic disease outbreak
The state Department of Natural Resources confirmed that at least 1,100 white-tailed deer have died from epizootic hemorrhagic disease, the largest recorded outbreak in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said the 2026 epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) outbreak has killed an estimated 1,100 white-tailed deer, the highest toll recorded in the state. The deaths were first noted in July, with carcasses found in Washington County and later in Dodge, Milwaukee, Ozaukee and Waukesha counties. As of Sept. 14, the DNR logged reports of roughly 900 dead deer in Washington County, 200 in Waukesha, 30 in Ozaukee, 20 in Dodge and about 10 in Milwaukee, though officials cautioned that many more may have died without being reported.
EHD is an acute viral disease spread by biting midges that causes severe internal bleeding, high fever and rapid organ failure. In regions where the virus is endemic, mortality rates are usually below 25 %, but Wisconsin’s deer have limited prior exposure, leading to higher death rates, the DNR explained. Symptoms can include lethargy, disorientation, lameness, bloody discharge from the nose or mouth, and swelling of the tongue, eyelids or neck, though laboratory testing is required for confirmation.
Erin Larson, a DNR deer herd health specialist, noted that the 2026 death count surpasses previous outbreaks documented in 2012, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024. The agency has created a map showing reported carcasses and the two confirmed EHD cases. While the disease typically wanes after the first hard frost as midge populations decline, officials are monitoring the situation.
DNR acting deer program specialist Derek Johnson said the agency does not plan to alter hunting regulations or antlerless tag availability at this time, but urged the public to report dead or sick deer through the DNR’s wildlife health website to aid decision-making. Wisconsin’s deer population was estimated at 1.89 million after the 2025 hunting season, with record numbers in several counties.
The viruses that cause EHD do not infect humans, according to the DNR.