Deadly Disease Kills A Dozen Deer In Mid-Michigan - WLNS TV 6 Lansing - Jackson | Your Local News Leader

Deadly Disease Kills A Dozen Deer In Mid-Michigan

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Officials with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources are blaming the deaths of about a dozen deer in Ionia and Branch counties on an outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHC).

According to officials, the disease is viral, and is transmitted by a biting gnat. Officials also say the warmer temperatures seen this year give the disease-carrying gnats a better environment to thrive in.

Once a deer is infected with EHD, its health rapidly deteriorates, says Steve Schmitt of the Michigan DNR.

"This disease will kill deer and it will kill them very quickly, in a matter of days," says Schmitt. "[But] it won't kill all deer. Some deer will survive. Those that do survive will have antibodies, so they are protected next year, if the disease comes back around."

Schmitt says deer with EHD typically lose their appetites, their fear of humans and get very weak. He also says they also hemorrhage internally as the virus affects the blood vessels. Deer that die from EHD are often found near bodies of water because they will usually have high fevers.

Experts say the disease does not infect humans, cats or dogs.

Emerald Morrow is a reporter with WLNS-TV. Reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter or email at emorrow@wlns.com.

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