A disease spread to deer via midges, or “no-see-ums” has been confirmed in nearby Washington County. Wisconsin DNR Deer Herd Health Specialist Erin Larson said that two wild deer discovered deceased near the Village of Richfield and the City of West Bend have tested positive for the virus that causes epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD.
Experts emphasize that although EHD is rare in Wisconsin, it is a common occurrence in the southern and western US. Outbreaks typically occur between August and October and subside in late fall when the midges die with the first hard frost. Crucially, the disease can’t infect humans, even if a person handles or eats venison from infected deer or is bitten by infected midges.
The DNR said that sick or dead deer can be reported online via the Sick or Dead Wildlife Reporting Form; via email at DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@
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