Wisconsin reports over 700 deer deaths linked to epizootic hemorrhagic disease
More than 700 white-tailed deer have been found dead in three Wisconsin counties this summer, with officials attributing the deaths to epizootic hemorrhagic disease spread by biting midges.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has recorded more than 700 dead white-tailed deer in Washington, Waukesha and Ozaukee counties since July, according to reports received up to Sept. 3. Laboratory testing of two deer from Washington County confirmed infection with epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), a virus transmitted by tiny biting insects known as midges.
EHD can cause high fever, internal bleeding and organ damage in deer, leading to weakness, excessive salivation and foam around the nose. Infected animals often seek water, which explains the concentration of carcasses near ponds and other water sources during outbreaks.
The DNR noted that the disease is less common in Wisconsin than in southern and western states, and local deer populations have had limited prior exposure. Consequently, mortality rates can be higher where the virus is rare, especially in densely populated herds. The agency said it will not conduct further testing in the affected area unless new reports emerge from more distant locations.
Wisconsin first documented EHD in 2002 and has experienced sporadic outbreaks, including a multi-county event in 2012. Warmer temperatures may allow the midge vectors to expand northward, potentially increasing the frequency of future incidents. Survivors typically develop antibodies that provide some protection against subsequent outbreaks, and the disease usually subsides after the first hard frost kills the midges.
"The viruses that cause hemorrhagic disease do not infect humans," the DNR emphasized, adding that handling or consuming meat from infected deer poses no risk.
Officials are urging residents to report unusual numbers of sick or dead deer to aid ongoing monitoring efforts.