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LANSING, Mich. (News 10) – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the first cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus in free-ranging white-tailed deer in Michigan this year.
The virus has been detected in deer in Branch, Ingham, Jackson and Lenawee counties, according to the DNR Wildlife Health Section and Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, is a viral disease that can be fatal to deer. It is spread through the bites of infected midges, also known as biting flies.
Deer cannot spread EHD directly to one another. The virus must be transmitted by an infected insect.
The DNR said there is no evidence that EHD can infect people, household pets or other Michigan wildlife. Venison from healthy deer harvested in areas where EHD has been detected is safe to eat.
“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, a deer, elk and moose management specialist with the DNR Wildlife Division.
EHD typically affects deer in late summer and early fall. Outbreaks can be more severe following a wet spring and hot, dry summer, which can increase midge populations. The first hard frost typically kills the insects and ends disease transmission.
Symptoms can include lethargy, disorientation, lameness and unresponsiveness. Infected deer also may have bloody discharge from the nose or mouth, a swollen or blue-tinged tongue, or swelling around the eyes, head or neck.
Those symptoms can also be caused by other illnesses or injuries, and EHD can only be confirmed through laboratory testing.
The DNR is asking anyone who suspects they have found a deer infected with or killed by EHD to report it through the department’s Eyes in the Field online system.
Although EHD outbreaks have not been shown to have a significant long-term effect on Michigan’s overall deer population, mortality can be severe in localized areas. The effects on some local deer populations may persist for several years.
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