DNR Confirms Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease in Wild Deer in Washington County
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that two wild deer in Washington County tested positive for the virus that causes epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD).
The deer were found dead near the village of Richfield and the city of West Bend. The DNR collected samples for testing after landowners and members of the public in the area reported a cluster of dead deer. Many of the observations reported healthy-looking, dead deer in or near water on their properties.
“Although it may be concerning to see many deer dead in a localized area, these outbreaks rarely have significant long-term population impacts on the overall deer herd,” said Erin Larson, DNR deer herd health specialist. “The short duration of these outbreaks and the robustness of our deer populations allow areas experiencing an EHD outbreak to recover quickly.”
The virus that causes EHD is spread by midges, which are small flies also known as biting gnats or no-see-ums. The virus does not infect humans, even if a person handles infected deer, eats venison from infected deer or is bitten by infected midges.
Clinical signs of EHD in deer may include excessive salivation, foaming around the nose and mouth and appearing weak or approachable by humans. Carcasses found in or near water sources may also be a sign, as infected deer become feverish and will often lay in water to cool down or drink.
How To Report Sick Or Dead Deer
Anyone who observes a deer that appears to be displaying clinical signs of EHD or is found dead in or near water is encouraged to share their sighting with the DNR. To report a sick or dead deer, please fill out the online Sick or Dead Wildlife Reporting Form, email DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wisconsin.gov or call 608-267-0866 and leave a message.
If reporting a suspected EHD case, please provide details about the date(s) of observation, the number of deer involved, the body condition of the deer/carcass(es), the exact location (including the county) and your contact information. The DNR only tests a limited number of deer, prioritizing locations within a new county or separate locations from where the disease is already confirmed this season. Reports of suspected cases are valuable to track the impact of the outbreak, even in situations where samples are not collected and tested and all reports are cataloged.
The EHD virus does not survive in carcasses, and DNR staff cannot collect or remove deer that are suspected to have died from EHD. When possible, the DNR also advises against handling found-dead wildlife carcasses, as other harmful pathogens could be present. If it is necessary to move or dispose of the carcass of a wild animal, be sure to use basic protective equipment (such as gloves) and follow good hygiene practices.
About Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease
EHD is a seasonally common occurrence across the southern and western United States, occasionally showing up in the Midwest. It can be fatal to some deer, especially in populations that have limited previous exposure to the virus, such as in Wisconsin. EHD outbreaks are typically seen between the months of August-October and subside in late fall when the midges that transmit the disease die with the first hard frost.
The first recorded incident of white-tailed deer with EHD in Wisconsin occurred in 2002. There have been sporadic events documented since that time, generally with minimal localized impacts on deer.
Additional information about EHD, including more details on previous outbreaks, is available on the DNR’s EHD webpage.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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