LANSING, Mich. (WLKI)- Michigan wildlife officials are asking hunters and residents to watch for signs of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, after the virus was detected in deer in four counties, including Ingham and Jackson counties.
EHD is spread by biting midges, small insects that breed in warm, receding mud flats during late summer. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said recent weather conditions have helped create favorable conditions for the insects.
Infected deer may appear lethargic and can develop a high fever, swelling around the eyes, head and neck, and internal bleeding. Blood may also be visible around the animal's nose or mouth. While some deer recover, others can die within days of becoming infected.
The disease is not transmitted directly from deer to deer. Instead, it spreads when infected midges bite deer and pass along the virus.
Michigan DNR deer, elk and moose management specialist Brent Rudolph said the outbreak is expected to continue until the state receives its first hard frost, which kills the midges responsible for spreading the virus.
EHD does not pose a threat to people or pets. However, the DNR advises hunters not to consume any deer that appears sick or shows signs of the disease. Healthy deer harvested in the affected areas remain safe to eat.
The DNR is continuing to track the disease and encourages residents to report dead or visibly ill deer to wildlife officials.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.