RICHFIELD, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has confirmed an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, after reports of more than 100 dead deer in Washington County.
Two wild deer found near Richfield and West Bend tested positive for the virus. Samples were collected after landowners and other residents reported clusters of dead deer, including animals found in or near water.
So far this year, the DNR says the disease has only been detected in southern Washington County.
EHD is caused by a virus spread by small biting flies known as midges or “no-see-ums.” It is not transmitted directly from deer to deer and does not infect humans, including through contact with infected deer or venison.
Signs of the disease can include excessive salivation, foaming around the nose and mouth, weakness and deer appearing unusually approachable. Infected animals can develop fevers and often seek out water to cool themselves, which is why carcasses may be found near ponds and other water sources.
“Even though we are experiencing this deer mortality event, we do have a robust deer herd in Wisconsin,” DNR deer herd health specialist Erin Larson told WTMJ. “A lot of times with these type of outbreaks, even though there’s a short-term impact, there’s really not a long-term impact to the population.”
EHD outbreaks typically occur between August and October and subside after the first hard frost kills the midges that spread the virus.
The DNR is asking anyone who finds a sick or dead deer, particularly one found in or near water, to report the sighting to the agency. Officials say those reports help track the size and location of the outbreak even when the deer is not tested.
