The Michigan Department of Natural Resources confirmed the first 2026 cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease in free-ranging white-tailed deer across four southern counties, according to state wildlife officials. State tests identified the viral infection in Branch, Ingham, Jackson, and Lenawee counties.
Michigan DNR Confirms First EHD Cases of 2026
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Health Section and Michigan State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the cases, making them the first seen in Michigan this year. Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, commonly known as EHD, is a viral and sometimes fatal illness that periodically affects white-tailed deer populations in Michigan, according to the state agency. The disease is transmitted exclusively through the bite of an infected midge or other biting fly, meaning it cannot spread directly from one deer to another.
Outbreaks of EHD typically occur during late summer and early fall. According to state wildlife specialists, the virus thrives when a rain-heavy spring is followed by hot, humid weather conditions. These environmental factors create favorable habitats for the biting midges that carry the virus.
Symptoms and Behavior of Infected Deer
Infected white-tailed deer often display distinct physical and behavioral symptoms as the disease progresses. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, sick animals frequently appear lethargic, disoriented, lame, or unresponsive.
Additional physical indicators of EHD include:
- Bloody discharge originating from the nose and mouth
- A swollen or blue-tinged tongue
- Swelling around the eyelids, neck, and head
- A high fever accompanied by severe dehydration
Because the virus induces a dangerously high fever and intense thirst, infected deer are frequently discovered dead or dying in or around bodies of water as they attempt to cool their bodies and rehydrate.
Public Health Impact and Venison Safety
State wildlife officials emphasize that epizootic hemorrhagic disease poses no known threat to humans, household pets, or other non-deer wildlife species in Michigan. Hunters can safely consume venison harvested from areas where EHD has been active, provided the animal is healthy.
“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, deer, elk, and moose management specialist for the DNR Wildlife Division. Rudolph noted that current landscape levels of the disease mirror those observed in 2025.
State veterinarians point out that northern disease dynamics are shifting. Warmer and wetter weather patterns in Michigan create increasingly favorable conditions for the midge vectors. Additionally, Dr. Scott Larsen, a veterinarian for the DNR Wildlife Division, noted that a different strain of the virus has emerged in the region over recent years, complicating herd immunity since exposure to one strain does not guarantee full protection against another.
Reporting Infected Wildlife to State Officials
Not every deer in an outbreak zone contracts the virus, and not every infected animal succumbs to the illness. Typically, a hard killing frost eliminates the midge population and brings an immediate halt to viral transmission for the season, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Residents and hunters who encounter dead deer or observe animals displaying symptoms consistent with EHD are encouraged to submit a formal report through the agency’s online Eyes in the Field reporting system.
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