EHD outbreak causes significant deer die-off in southeastern Wisconsin

A recent outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, caused a significant deer die-off in southeastern Wisconsin, particularly in Washington County and the West Bend area.

Cases and health response

Steve Burns, a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources deer and elk specialist, said EHD is a virus spread by tiny biting insects called midges.

“EHD is a virus that’s spread by a tiny insect called a midge,” Burns said during an interview on WBEV’s “Party Line.”

The midges are most active during late summer, when they can transmit the virus to deer.

Once infected, deer can become sick and die within a short period of time.

Burns said EHD outbreaks can be especially severe in areas where the disease is new to the local deer population.

In areas that have experienced EHD before, mortality can exceed 25 percent.

Mortality rates may be even higher in areas where deer have not previously been exposed to the virus.