As toll likely surpasses 1,100 deer, EHD outbreak worst in Wisconsin history

With an estimated toll of at least 1,100 dead white-tailed deer, the 2026 outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, is the largest in Wisconsin history, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

The impacts were first observed in July as dead deer were found in Washington County and subsequently in Dodge, Milwaukee, Ozaukee and Waukesha counties.

As toll likely surpasses 1,100 deer, EHD outbreak worst in Wisconsin history