Viral Disease Kills Record Number of Deer - WLNS TV 6 Lansing - Jackson | Your Local News Leader

The number of dead deer in mid-Michigan is on a rapid incline.

The viral disease has been found in eight counties, with the highest numbers in Calhoun and Ionia. Reports have also come in from Barry, Branch, Cass, Clinton, Eaton and Montcalm. Last week, the DNR estimated just under 500 cases of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, or EHD. They have since revised that to 921.

Last week, Calhoun County had only three confirmed cases--that number has since risen to 138 as of Tuesday. Ionia County has reported over 200 deer have been found dead since last week, bringing their total to 658--the largest amount ever recorded in a single county.

EHD is transmitted from a type of gnat that has been around Michigan for years, but the hot, dry weather this summer brought them out especially early.

There is no known effective treatment or control for EHD. The DNR says the disease just has to run its course.

They're asking anyone who has seen dead deer to call so they can investigate.