(CBS DETROIT) — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says cases of epizootic hemorrhagic diseases are beginning to increase and will likely result in higher deer mortality rates.
As October rolls around, archery season begins and hunters may encounter dead deer. A disease affecting the animal is experiencing its worst outbreak in more than a decade, according to the DNR.
“We’re not seeing the levels of transmission that we’ve already seen this year as often,” said DNR Wildlife Chad Fedewa, acting deer specialist with the DNR Wildlife Division.
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, which is increasing statewide, primarily affects white-tailed deer. Eleven counties have confirmed cases and at least 2,000 deer have contracted the disease, according to the DNR.
“When these deer contract the virus, they develop a high fever, so they look for water to cool down. Once they have the virus, they usually die within a few days,” Fedewa said.
The disease occurs every year, but this year the numbers have increased. Mosquito flies, which are usually found in wet areas, transmit the disease.
“The majority of reports come from isolated parts of a province,” we are told.
Cases of the virus have been reported in southeastern Michigan, but the DNR is mainly seeing cases in the southwestern parts.
Domestic and wild animals are not at risk and the disease poses no threat to humans.
“It does not affect the quality of the meat. There are no human health issues with EHD, it only affects deer,” Fedewa continued.
