08/25/2026
I’m not a hunter, but I have recently just learned about a disease in local white tail deer called EHD. EHD stands for Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease. It’s a serious and often deadly viral illness that primarily affects white-tailed deer 🦌.
The virus spreads from the bites of tiny insects called midges or "no-see-ums". You’ll see these tiny insects flying, often in swarms, especially near lakes or water. They are typically harmless to humans. (BTW…The All Natural Insect service from Be Green Pro LLC does manage no-see-ums as well as mosquitoes, ticks and fleas - no toxic chemical, no re-entry delays, safe for pollinators and aquatic life.)
Deer cannot catch EHD directly from another deer, not even from biting, scratches or fighting.
The outbreaks happen most often in late summer and early fall. A hard freeze kills the midges and stops the outbreak.
The most common symptom of infected deer is fever. The deer get very hot and often wander near water to cool down. Dead deer are frequently found near ponds or streams. Additionally, the head, neck, tongue, and eyelids can swell up. Deer become very weak and may act sluggish, lose their fear of humans, or have trouble breathing. The virus causes internal bleeding and ulcers in the mouth.
It’s unknown how many animals in midwestern regions are affected, but once infected deer often die within three days of showing signs.
There is no program for treatment. While EHD can kill many deer in a local area during a bad year, regional herds usually bounce back within a few seasons.
Once again, humans should not worry. People cannot catch EHD from deer or from midge (no-see-ums) bites.
