Deer virus found in West Michigan for first time since 2021

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reports that they have confirmed at least 120 cases of a viral disease among deer in St. Joseph County and more will likely be found in neighboring counties soon.

The cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease have come in over the last few weeks. The DNR says this is the first time since 2021 that the disease has been found in St. Joseph County.

Chad Stewart, acting supervisor of the Wildlife Division’s Sustainable Populations Section, says outbreaks of EHD are hit or miss.

“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,” Stewart said in a statement .

EHD outbreaks have occurred off and on in Michigan since 2006. Typically, outbreaks are limited to isolated areas and anywhere from an estimated 50 to 1,000 deer die.

The largest EHD die-off happened in 2012, when an estimated 14,000 deer died across more than 30 counties. But in 2014 and 2015, no cases were found.

The last West Michigan cases were reported in 2021, when 24 counties confirmed outbreaks, including Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Ionia, Kent, Oceana, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties. EHD was also reported in Cass County in 2022.

EHD is transmitted by a specific type of midge. The DNR says weather conditions have allowed the midges to thrive this year, providing more avenues for the virus to spread.

“Studies in other states have shown that a warm spring followed by a relatively rainy July and hot, dry August seem to be significant factors that make an outbreak more likely,” the DNR reports.

Typically, EHD-positive deer lose their appetite and their natural fear of humans. They will also grow weaker, salivate excessively and lose consciousness. They often die due to fever and dehydration, which is why EHD-positive deer are typically found near bodies of water — they die while trying to cool off and rehydrate.

There is no known effective treatment for EHD. However, it is not considered a terminal disease — not all deer die from their infections.

“Deer that survive epizootic hemorrhagic disease develop immunity to the virus and outbreaks are rarely seen in the same area in consecutive years,” Stewart said.

EHD is only transmitted by the flies; it is not spread from deer to deer. Neither humans nor pets can contract EHD. While hunters are urged not to consume visibly sick deer, there is no evidence that shows a human can contract the virus from eating venison from an EHD-positive animal.

Anyone who suspects a deer has died from EHD is encouraged to contact the DNR using the “Eyes in the Field” website.

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