West Bend residents report multiple deer deaths as DNR warns of EHD spread
A West Bend couple found four dead deer on their property amid a surge of epizootic hemorrhagic disease cases, prompting the Wisconsin DNR to advise residents to report sightings and remove carcasses.
Dead white-tailed deer have been found near homes in Washington and Waukesha counties, and state wildlife officials say the likely cause is epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), a virus transmitted by small flies.
Michelle Nick, a West Bend resident, said her yard, which once attracted dozens of deer, has yielded four carcasses over a ten-day period beginning on Aug. 22. She contacted the Department of Natural Resources, which confirmed EHD as the probable source.
The DNR reported receiving about 600 dead-deer reports in Washington County and more than 100 in Waukesha County. It advised property owners to move carcasses away from homes to reduce the risk of further animal infections and reminded the public that EHD does not affect humans.
"We encourage anyone who finds a dead deer to report it to the DNR," a department spokesperson said.