Wildlife officials report a viral disease may have killed more than 50 white-tailed deer recently in southeastern Michigan near the Clinton River.

The state Department of Natural Resources says the cause of death appears to be epizootic hemorrhagic disease.

The disease is characterized by extensive hemorrhages.

It's often transmitted by biting flies and gnat-like insects.

Deer with the illness lose their appetites and their fear of humans while growing weaker, though there is no evidence humans can contract the virus.

Due to a high fever, the deer often are found sick or dead near water.

Michigan had deer deaths attributed to the disease in 1955, 1974 and 2006.