Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Diagnosed in Two Michigan Deer - Allegan County

[GLF]

Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife health officials, collaborating with Michigan State University’s Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, today announced epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) has been diagnosed in two Michigan white-tailed deer. The two deer -- one free-ranging and one privately owned -- were from Allegan County.

EHD is an acute, infectious, often fatal viral disease contracted by wild ruminants but most commonly affects white-tailed deer. EHD is not transmitted from one animal to another by direct contact, and it is not transmissible to humans. Cattle may develop an infection from the EHD virus that is not readily apparent; but fever, oral lesions, lameness and reproductive problems occasionally occur. Dogs and cats are not susceptible to EHD. The virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected insect, Culicoides, which includes midges, gnats and other biting flies. EHD typically strikes in late summer and early fall. The insect dies with the onset of frost.

“In the past three weeks, the DNR has received reports of approximately 50 dead deer in the area encompassing the Kalamazoo River, Rabbit River and the Potawatomi Marsh,†said Sara Schaefer, supervisor for the Wildlife Division’s Southwest Management Unit. “Staff in this area have received numerous calls about dead deer, and we were able to retrieve some fresh carcasses to be tested.â€

“Examination of the submitted deer showed lesions consistent with an EHD infection and laboratory results confirmed the preliminary diagnosis,†said Thomas Cooley, DNR pathologist.

Deer in the early stages of EHD may appear lethargic, disoriented, lame and unresponsive to humans. As the disease progresses the deer may have bloody discharge from the nose and mouth along with sores in the mouth and a swollen tongue. Death may occur within one to three days.

Infected or dead deer with EHD usually are found near water as a result of the high fever that develops with this disease. Deer that have recovered from EHD infection often have cracked hooves and/or heavy hoof overgrowth. If dead deer are found near bodies of water, or if any deer harvested during the archery season or firearm season exhibit abnormal hoof growth or damage, the public is encouraged to report them to the nearest DNR field office, which can be located by visiting the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.

“Although EHD is considered the most important viral disease affecting white-tailed deer in the U.S., it rarely occurs in Michigan. While it may impact the deer population in a localized area, it is not a threat to the deer herd statewide,†said Bill Moritz, chief of the Wildlife Division. “When all conditions are right: weather, virus and host, the disease may occur; this is just very rare in Michigan.†Previous EHD die-offs occurred in Michigan in 1955 and 1974.

This year EHD also has been diagnosed in Oregon, Wyoming, Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Georgia.