Michigan detects epizootic hemorrhagic disease in deer across four counties

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced that epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) virus has been identified in free-ranging white-tailed deer in four counties: Branch, Ingham, Jackson and Lenawee. The findings, confirmed by the DNR Wildlife Health Section and the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, represent the first detections for 2026 and will be updated on the agency’s EHD webpage.

EHD is transmitted by bites from infected midges or other biting flies and typically appears in deer during late summer and early fall. Outbreak severity can increase after a wet spring followed by a hot, dry summer, though the first frost usually curtails the midge population and halts transmission. The department emphasized that there is no evidence the virus can infect humans, pets or other wildlife.

"We do not recommend consuming any animals that are visibly sick, but healthy deer harvested from areas where EHD has been present are still safe to eat," said Brent Rudolph, deer, elk and moose management specialist for the DNR Wildlife Division.

The DNR advises the public to report suspected sick or dead deer through its Eyes in the Field online system. Infected animals may be found near water sources and can exhibit lethargy, disorientation, lameness, unresponsiveness, or visible symptoms such as bloody nasal discharge, a swollen or blue-tinged tongue, and swelling around the eyes or neck. Confirmation of EHD requires laboratory testing.

Dr. Scott Larson, a veterinarian with the DNR Wildlife Division, noted that while not all deer in affected areas become infected and not all infected deer die, localized mortality can be intense and may influence deer numbers in specific regions for several years.