Wisconsin DNR confirms EHD in Jackson, Chippewa and Waukesha counties

Madison – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed that tissue samples collected from one deer in Chippewa County, two deer in Jackson County and one deer in Waukesha County have tested positive for the virus that causes epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD).

The disease was discovered after landowners reported healthy-looking, dead deer near ponds on their properties. The DNR is investigating similar reports in other counties.

The virus that causes EHD is spread between deer by mosquitoes, which are small flies also called biting mosquitoes 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 mosquitoes.

Clinical signs of EHD in deer often include excessive salivation, foaming around the nose and mouth, and a weak or approachable appearance to people. Carcasses found in or near water sources can also be a sign, as infected deer often lie in water to cool off or drink.

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Report sick, dead deer

Anyone who observes a deer that appears to be exhibiting clinical signs of EHD or is found dead in or near water is encouraged to contact the DNR quickly. To report a sick or dead deer, please send an email [email protected] or call (608) 267-0866. Callers must leave a message for wildlife management staff to call back. Reports of sick or dead deer are important to better understand the disease.

When reporting a suspected case, callers must provide details of the number of deer, body condition of the deer/carcasses, exact location (including county) and contact information. Cases where EHD is suspected can be investigated and new samples collected within a day or two of death to detect the virus. The DNR will only test deer for EHD if the report is in a new county or a different location than where the disease has already been confirmed.

EHD is not transferred via carcasses or the environment after decomposition. Thus, the DNR will not collect or remove deer suspected of having died from EHD. The DNR also advises against touching found deer carcasses, as other harmful pathogens may be present.

About EHD

EHD is common in the southern and western United States and occasionally occurs in the Midwest. It can be fatal to deer, especially in populations that have previously had limited exposure to the virus, such as in Wisconsin. The disease is usually short-lived because the flies that transmit the disease die with the first hard frost. When deer die from EHD, it typically occurs within seven days of infection.

EHD has previously been identified in Wisconsin, usually with minimal local impacts to deer. The first outbreak was identified in 2012, when about 380 deer in Dane and Columbia counties were suspected to have died from the disease.

The most recent outbreak was identified in 2021, but fewer than 20 deer were reported in La Crosse and Juneau counties. Until the two confirmed cases this year, EHD had not been observed in deer in Wisconsin since 2021.