Michigan Confirms EHD Cases in Deer Across Four Counties

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed the first cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in Michigan for 2025, with infections reported in white-tailed deer across four southern counties: Eaton, Jackson, Van Buren, and Washtenaw. EHD is a viral disease transmitted by biting midges that is often fatal to deer but does not affect humans, pets, or other wildlife, and venison from healthy-appearing deer in affected areas remains safe to eat. The DNR notes that outbreaks tend to occur in late summer and early fall and are more severe following wet springs and hot, dry summers, with the disease's spread typically ending after the first frost kills the insect vectors. Symptoms in deer include lethargy, disorientation, swollen or blue-tinged tongues, and nasal bleeding. The DNR encourages the public to report suspected cases through their online system to help track the disease's extent. Similarly, Ohio is also experiencing significant EHD outbreaks in multiple counties, highlighting a broader regional impact of the disease this season.