The Michigan Department of Natural Resources confirmed epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus in free-ranging white-tailed deer across four counties — Branch, Ingham, Jackson, and Lenawee — marking the state's first detections for 2026, the agency said.
EHD is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected midges, or biting flies. Deer cannot transmit the disease directly to one another; the virus must pass through the insect, according to the DNR. The disease is not transmissible to humans, household pets, or other Michigan wildlife.
Venison harvested in affected areas is safe for consumption. "We do not recommend consuming any animals that are visibly sick, but healthy deer harvested from areas where EHD has been present are still safe to eat," said Brent Rudolph, the DNR's deer, elk, and moose management specialist.
EHD typically strikes in late summer and early fall. Outbreaks can be more severe following a wet spring and hot, dry summer, but the first frost kills the midge population and halts transmission. Past outbreaks have ranged from small clusters to as many as 30 counties in 2012. The DNR said it is seeing EHD "at levels similar to 2025."
While EHD can cause significant deer mortality in small geographic areas, it has not been shown to have a significant long-term effect on Michigan deer populations overall. Symptoms include lethargy, disorientation, lameness, bloody discharge from the nose and mouth, swollen tongue, and swelling around the eyes, neck, or head.