Table of Contents
- 1. Viral Disease Threatens Michigan Deer Population
- 2. Understanding epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease
- 3. What are the Symptoms of EHD?
- 4. Is Venison Safe to Eat?
- 5. hunting Season and Deer Population
- 6. reporting and further Information
- 7. Understanding wildlife Diseases
- 8. Frequently Asked Questions About EHD in Michigan
- 9. What are the symptoms of EHD in deer?
- 10. EHD Outbreak in Michigan: Are Deer in Four Counties at Risk?
- 11. What is Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD)?
- 12. Current EHD Situation in Michigan (September 3, 2025)
- 13. Recognizing EHD Symptoms in Deer
- 14. Why are these Four Counties Particularly Affected?
- 15. Impact on Deer Populations and Hunting
- 16. Prevention and Control – What Can Be Done?
Lansing, MI – A perhaps fatal viral illness affecting White-tailed deer has surfaced in Southern Michigan, prompting concern among wildlife officials and hunters. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed the presence of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in four deer located in eaton, Jackson, Van Buren and Washtenaw counties on September 3rd.
EHD, a disease transmitted by midges, typically emerges in late summer and early fall and can lead to critically important mortality in deer populations. Infected animals often exhibit unusual behavior, seeking out water sources to regulate their body temperature as the disease progresses.
Understanding epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease
Epizootic Hemorrhagic disease is not a new threat; though, its appearance requires vigilant monitoring. According to Brent Rudolph, the deer, elk, and moose management specialist for the DNR Wildlife Division, previous outbreaks have varied in scope, with some affecting only a few counties and others impacting as many as thirty in 2012. The current outbreak emphasizes the need to understand the disease’s dynamics and potential impact.
The diagnosis was made through a collaborative effort involving the DNR Wildlife Health Section, Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study. This speedy diagnosis is essential to implementing appropriate monitoring and potential management strategies.
What are the Symptoms of EHD?
Deer affected by EHD display a range of symptoms, including lethargy, disorientation, and lameness. More severe cases may involve bloody discharge from the nose and mouth, a swollen or discolored tongue, and swelling around the head and neck.These symptoms indicate a late stage of the illness and a poor prognosis for the animal.
Did you know? EHD outbreaks are often connected to weather patterns, with wet springs followed by hot, dry summers creating ideal conditions for midge proliferation.
Is Venison Safe to Eat?
The DNR assures hunters that venison harvested from deer appearing healthy in affected areas remains safe for consumption. However, consuming meat from visibly sick animals is strongly discouraged. Health Officials recommend discarding any animal showing clear signs of the disease. The DNR provides guidance for hunters navigating this issue.
hunting Season and Deer Population
Despite the presence of EHD, Michigan’s deer hunting season is proceeding as planned.In 2024, over 532,000 individuals participated in deer hunting across the state, representing a 1% increase from the previous year, with over 604,000 licenses purchased. The DNR continues to monitor the deer population and assess the potential impact of EHD on future hunting seasons.
Here’s a summary of the 2025-26 Michigan deer hunting season dates:
| Hunt Type | Dates |
|---|---|
| Liberty (youth) hunt | sept. 13-14 |
| Early antlerless firearm | Sept. 20-21 |
| Independence hunt | oct. 16-19 |
| Archery | Oct.1 to Nov. 14, and Dec.1 to jan. 1, 2026 |
| regular firearm | Nov. 15-30 |
Pro Tip: If you encounter a deer exhibiting symptoms of EHD, report it immediately via the DNR’s Eyes in the Field online system to aid in tracking and managing the outbreak.
reporting and further Information
To report a suspected case of EHD, individuals can use the DNR’s Eyes in the Field online system. The DNR emphasizes that EHD poses no threat to humans, pets, or other wildlife species.
Understanding wildlife Diseases
Wildlife diseases, such as EHD, are a natural part of ecosystem dynamics. However, factors like climate change, habitat fragmentation, and increased human-wildlife interaction can influence the frequency and severity of outbreaks. Monitoring and research are crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate the impact of these diseases on wildlife populations. The DNR website provides resources for understanding wildlife health and conservation efforts in Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions About EHD in Michigan
What are your thoughts on the potential impact of this disease on the upcoming hunting season? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
Do you believe enough is being done to monitor and address wildlife diseases like EHD in Michigan?
What are the symptoms of EHD in deer?
EHD Outbreak in Michigan: Are Deer in Four Counties at Risk?
What is Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD)?
Epizootic Hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is a viral disease affecting white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose. It’s not contagious between species, and importantly, EHD does not pose a risk to humans. The disease is transmitted by biting midges (Culicoides species), small insects that thrive in warm, wet conditions. While typically a seasonal concern, outbreaks can vary in severity. This year,Michigan is facing a concerning rise in cases.
Current EHD Situation in Michigan (September 3, 2025)
As of today, September 3, 2025, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has confirmed cases of EHD in four counties: Barry, Calhoun, Eaton, and Kent. The MDNR is actively monitoring the situation and collecting samples for further analysis. The number of reported deer deaths is currently higher than in recent years, prompting increased concern among wildlife officials and hunters.
Barry County: Initial reports indicated several deer found near woodland areas exhibiting symptoms.
Calhoun County: A localized cluster of cases has been identified near the Kalamazoo River.
Eaton county: Cases are scattered across agricultural lands and forested regions.
Kent County: Reports are concentrated in the northern parts of the county, near larger deer populations.
Recognizing EHD Symptoms in Deer
Early detection is crucial, though frequently enough difficult as deer often succumb quickly. Here’s what to look for:
Fever: Elevated body temperature.
Loss of Appetite: Deer may appear lethargic and uninterested in food.
Weakness: Visible difficulty standing or walking.
Swelling: Around the head, neck, tongue, and eyes.
Hemorrhaging: Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or eyes. This is a hallmark symptom, but not always present.
Ulcerations: Sores in the mouth and nose.
Sudden Death: Many deer are found dead with minimal prior symptoms.
If you observe a deer exhibiting these symptoms, report it immediately to the MDNR. Do not approach or handle the animal. Contact information can be found on the MDNR website (michigan.gov/dnr).
Why are these Four Counties Particularly Affected?
Several factors likely contribute to the outbreak in these specific Michigan counties:
Midge Populations: The presence of abundant biting midges, fueled by recent warm and wet weather. Standing water provides breeding grounds for these insects.
Deer Density: Higher deer populations in these areas increase the potential for disease transmission.
Habitat: A combination of agricultural land, forested areas, and proximity to waterways creates ideal conditions for both deer and midges.
Previous Exposure: Lack of prior widespread EHD exposure in these populations may mean lower immunity.
Impact on Deer Populations and Hunting
EHD outbreaks can substantially impact local deer populations. Mortality rates can vary, but severe outbreaks can lead to considerable declines, particularly among young bucks.
Hunting Season Considerations: Hunters in the affected counties should be aware of the potential for reduced deer numbers. The MDNR may adjust hunting regulations if the outbreak continues to worsen. Check the MDNR website for updates on season dates and antler point restrictions.
Carcass Handling: While EHD doesn’t affect humans, proper carcass handling is still critically important. Wear gloves when field dressing deer and avoid consuming any animal that appears sick.
Disease Surveillance: The MDNR is requesting hunter-submitted deer samples (lymph nodes) to help track the spread of the disease. Details on how to submit samples are available on their website.
Prevention and Control – What Can Be Done?
Unfortunatly, there is no direct treatment for EHD in wild deer. Management efforts focus on minimizing midge populations and monitoring the disease.
Reduce Standing Water: Eliminate standing water sources around homes and farms to reduce midge breeding grounds. This includes emptying containers,cleaning gutters,and improving drainage.
Midge Control: While large-scale midge control is impractical, localized efforts may
