Two wild deer in Washington County tested positive for epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The deer were found dead near the village of Richfield and the city of West Bend.
The DNR collected samples for testing after landowners and members of the public reported a cluster of dead deer, many found in or near water on their properties.
EHD is spread by midges, small flies also known as biting gnats or no-see-ums, and does not infect humans, even if a person handles infected deer, eats venison from infected deer, or is bitten by infected midges, according to the DNR.
Clinical signs in deer include excessive salivation, foaming around the nose and mouth, weakness, and appearing approachable by humans. Infected deer often lay in water to cool down, so carcasses found in or near water may indicate EHD.
"Although it may be concerning to see many deer dead in a localized area, these outbreaks rarely have significant long-term population impacts on the overall deer herd," said Erin Larson, DNR deer herd health specialist.
EHD outbreaks typically occur between August and October and subside in late fall when midges die with the first hard frost, according to the DNR. Wisconsin documented its first EHD case in 2002, with sporadic events since then causing minimal localized impacts.
The public can report sick or dead deer through an online form, email DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wisconsin.gov, or phone 608-267-0866. The DNR advises against handling found-dead wildlife without protective equipment and does not collect or remove suspected EHD carcasses.