Michigan wildlife authorities are heightening their surveillance as cases of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) emerge in the state's deer population with over 100 probable instances reported, and 120 confirmed in St. Joseph County, indicating a potential for a significant outbreak unseen since the disease's substantial impact in 2012. The virus, usually transmitted by biting midges, has been a recurring issue in Michigan since 2006, with sporadic outbreaks and varying death tolls among deer but the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has noted this year's conditions have been particularly conducive for the midges to thrive, according to information provided by FOX 2 Detroit and WOOD TV.
The DNR, which has been closely tracking the developments states that, "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," Chad Stewart, the acting supervisor of the Wildlife Division’s Sustainable Populations Section, said; he notes the disease's presence fluctuates, with substantial mortality at times, but in certain cases deer have been known to develop immunity post-recovery, as reported by WOOD TV.
Characteristically, EHD leads to severe symptoms including loss of appetite, weakness, excessive salivation, and eventual loss of consciousness, though infected deer do not always succumb to the disease. Reports by FOX 2 Detroit detail how the animals, impacted by a high fever and dehydration, commonly seek bodies of water to alleviate their condition; therefore, discovery of sick or deceased deer near water sources is common during outbreaks. Despite the fatality rate for symptomatic deer reaching up to 90%, human beings, and domestic animals remain unaffected by the virus, with no evidence to suggest any health threat from consuming venison of infected deer.
The disease has shown to be geographically spotty even within affected counties, creating a challenging scenario for wildlife officials trying to curb its spread. Deer Management Specialist, Chad Fedewa highlighted the variability in a statement obtained by WSBT, "You can have, you know, those conditions in one, you know, section of the county and have pretty high mortality of local deer numbers in that area. And then you could go, you know, a couple miles away, and those conditions aren't present." The public is encouraged to assist by reporting any suspicious deer deaths or symptoms via the DNR’s “Eyes in the Field” website, helping the department in its effort to monitor and respond to the disease's course.
According to WSBT, EHD continues to resurface in Michigan, the DNR underscores that those experiencing the outdoors or engaging in hunting activities should report sightings of diseased deer, described as exhibiting strange behaviors or a bluish hue on their tongues. The lack of a known cure renders preventive measures and post-outbreak analyses critical for managing deer population health and ensuring the well-being of local ecosystems. Educating hunters and the general public on the nature of the disease remains a priority for wildlife officials aiming to mitigate EHD's effects on deer population and public perception, said Joe Caudell, state deer biologist.
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