An illness that kills deer each year hits northwestern Indiana

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — An illness that kills deer each year is impacting the population in northern Indiana counties and is being monitored by the Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR is reporting what it calls an early season outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, in white-tailed deer in a number of counties, with more in the northern part of the state.

There are 124 suspected cases in Porter County. Far fewer, so far, in Lake and LaPorte Counties.

The DNR says it’s often fatal for deer, but not always. Humans can’t be infected.

Deer get it from biting midges, also called no-see-ums.

Infected deer may seem disoriented, walking in circles, and unafraid of people.

They get fever and seek water. They're often found dead near water. .

Reports from people in the area include someone who said a deer curled up in a field and allowed them to approach. It was reportedly dead the next morning.

Another person said they walk in the Coffee Creek Preserve in Chesterton and said you can smell decomposing deer.

Some people say they notice what they don’t notice. No deer around when they usually are.

People who find sick deer are asked to report it at: on.IN.gov/sickwildlife .

Deer hunters are also asked to report the condition of deer hooves using the Deer After Hunt Survey, as the condition of hooves can indicate if a deer has recovered from EHD.

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