Michigan reports more cases of disease that can kill deer – What to do if you see a dead deer

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FILE – A white-tailed deer searches for food in the woods.

OAKLAND COUNTY, Michigan (FOX 2) – Six out of four deer Michigan counties died of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD).

There have been three deaths in Oakland County, one case in Macomb County, one case in St. Clair County and one case in Shiawassee County. They were all white-tailed deer in the wild.

The Natural Resources Department said it has also received reports of 150 probable cases of EHD. Most of those reports came from counties that have confirmed cases.

The viral disease is transmitted to deer, mule deer and elk by a biting fly called a midge. There is no evidence that humans can contract it.

Severe forms of the disease cause deer to lose their appetite and fear of humans, gradually weaken, salivate excessively and become unconscious.

While not always fatal, severe cases of EHD dehydrate the animal and cause fevers, causing them to seek water. The deer are then found dead near water.

There is no known way to control EHD in wild populations, the DNR said.

“We are asking hunters to look around when they arrive on the ground this fall to let us know if they find any dead deer, especially deer near water,” said Tom Cooley, pathologist at the MNR wildlife.

The dead deer can be reported to MRN here or by calling a MNR Customer Service Center.