MICHIGAN – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has confirmed 2025’s first cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in deer across several counties.
EHD has been confirmed in free-ranging deer from Eaton, Jackson, Van Buren and Washtenaw counties. As samples are submitted from other counties, any further detections will be posted on the DNR’s EHD webpage.
Recommended Videos
What is epizootic hemorrhagic disease?
EHD is a viral disease impacting wild ruminants such as white-tailed deer, mule deer and elk. It is transmitted by biting flies called midges and does not spread directly from deer to deer.
The disease can be fatal, but deer that survive develop immunity. There is no known effective treatment for EHD in wild populations.
Studies indicate that a warm spring followed by a rainy July and hot, dry August increase the likelihood of an outbreak. These conditions create muddy areas ideal for midge reproduction. Warm late summer and early fall temperatures also help the virus replicate faster, according to the DNR.
A hard frost kills the midges, which typically stops the virus from spreading.
What should hunters know about EHD?
The DNR does not expect EHD to cause widespread deer population declines but warns localized impacts are possible. Areas with significant die-offs should see population recovery within two to three years.
Hunters are advised not to consume venison from visibly sick deer. However, venison from deer that had EHD is considered safe to eat. There is no evidence that humans or pets can contract the virus from infected deer or venison.
The DNR said that outbreaks of EHD are characterized in the following ways:
- Sick and dead deer are found in or around bodies of water.
- Illness in deer can come on suddenly and severely, but also can linger for weeks or months in a low-grade state.
- In severe forms of the disease, deer lose their appetite and their fear of humans, grow progressively weaker, salivate excessively, and finally become unconscious.
- Due to a high fever and dehydration, infected deer often seek water to lower their body temperature and to rehydrate.
Deer carcasses can be allowed to naturally decompose; the process does not spread EHD or contribute to outbreaks.
What to do if you suspect EHD
If you believe a deer has died from EHD, you should contact the DNR for case tracking and population impact assessment.
Reporting suspected deer deaths due to EHD helps the DNR track cases and better estimate the total number of deer affected in an area. Hunters’ observations are especially valuable this fall as they spend time in the field and notice signs of sick or dead deer.
Anyone who discovers sick or dead deer near bodies of water is urged to report it using the DNR’s Eyes in the Field webpage.