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LANSING, MI – State wildlife officials say six deer roaming free in southeast Michigan have died this year from an outbreak of the viral disease that is spread by biting flies.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said white-tailed deer in Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair and Shiawassee counties have succumbed to epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), a contagion found in deer and elk.
MNR wants hunters to be on the lookout for dead or sick deer during the hunting seasons this fall and winter.
“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 MNR wildlife.
Due to the onset of high fever and dehydration, infected deer seek water to lower their body temperature and rehydrate. They are often found sick or dead near water.
The disease can come on suddenly and severely, but also persist for weeks or months in a low grade condition. In severe cases, deer lose their appetite and fear of humans, gradually weaken, salivate excessively, and eventually pass out.
The disease is transmitted by a type of biting fly called a midge. Infection does not always lead to illness. Signs of infection vary widely, ranging from no symptoms to heavy internal bleeding and fluid buildup.
There is no evidence that humans can contract the EHD virus.
The DNR says three cases have been identified in Oakland County and one each in Macomb, St. Clair and Shiawassee counties already this fall. As of September 20, the DNR has received 150 reports of probable cases, mostly from counties where HDE is confirmed.
The disease has been killing Michigan deer intermittently since 2006. The MNR estimates that between 50 and 1,000 deer die in isolated areas during each outbreak. The highest mortality occurred in 2012, with around 14,000 deer.
No cases of EHD were confirmed in 2014 or 2015, and few have been reported since 2015.
There is no known effective treatment or control of EHD in wild populations. The disease has been observed for decades in many parts of the United States.
The statewide archery hunting season began on October 1 and ends on the 14th. A second archery season takes place in December. The statewide gun season runs from November 15 to 30.
Anyone who finds dead deer should report it using the MNR Eyes in the Field Report Form or call the nearest MNR Customer Service Center.
Related stories:
Michigan 2012 deer deaths from viral disease tops 4,200
Deer hunt likely within Muskegon city limits this year
CWD found in Montcalm, Mecosta deer this year
2021 deer hunting season dates
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