What to Know About the Virus Killing Michigan Deer

It's always a scary thing when a new virus takes hold, and that's true for both humans and animals. Now, a viral disease has killed more than 100 Michigan deer, and as of right now, there's no cure for this disease. If you see a sick animal, there are some steps you should take.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has received various reports of more than 120 probable cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD). Most of the cases are concentrated in counties in the southwestern Lower Peninsula. "EHD is a viral, often fatal, disease of white-tailed deer that is transmitted by biting midges (Culicoides spp.), also called no-see-ums or punkies," notes Dec.ny.gov. They add that the disease is not spread directly from animal to animal "and humans cannot be infected thoroughly contact with deer or bites from midges."

So, it's good to know that this virus is not spread directly from deer to human, but it can still cause problems in the ecosystem. Also, the disease does not spread from animal to animal. According to officials, there's no known treatment for EHD that works in wild populations.

The DNR Wildlife Health Section and the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory found EHD virus in a white-tailed deer from St. Joseph County. More tests are being conducted, too.

"Although early reports indicate 2024 could see a significant outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease in pockets of Michigan’s deer population, this isn’t necessarily unusual," said Chad Stewart, acting supervisor of the DNR Wildlife Division's Sustainable Populations Section.

As for what to know about the virus, According to MSU, "EHD is not expected to have widespread deer population-level impacts, but it can significantly affect localized areas if mortality is severe. The onset of a hard frost will kill the 'insect vector' – essentially the carrier for disease transmission – stopping movement of the virus."

They add that, "For hunters who hunt in areas that were affected by EHD, venison is still safe for consumption. While it's not recommended you consume venison from animals that are visibly sick, if a deer is harvested during the hunting season in an area that had EHD, there is no evidence humans can contract the virus from consuming venison."

So, what if you spot an animal that you think is sick? "If you suspect a deer death is due to epizootic hemorrhagic disease, please report it to the DNR so that we can track cases and better estimate the total number of deer affected in an area," Stewart said. "Hunters' observations can be especially helpful as they hit the field and look around this fall."