Wisconsin Deer EHD Outbreak | What to Know About the Disease

Disease Outbreak Impacts Wisconsin Deer Populations

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, commonly known as EHD, is responsible for the deaths of at least 600 white-tailed deer across three counties in southeastern Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources confirmed the presence of the virus following a surge in reports throughout July and August 2026. This disease, transmitted by midges, primarily affects deer during the late summer and early fall when these insects are at peak population levels.

Washington County is currently the epicenter of the outbreak. Initial reports arrived in July, but the volume of dead deer increased rapidly as summer progressed. By the end of August, officials confirmed the disease also reached Waukesha and Ozaukee counties. Erin Larson, a deer herd health specialist with the DNR, confirmed the rising figures as the season moved forward. This specific viral strain causes high fevers, organ damage, and internal hemorrhaging, often killing animals within 36 to 48 hours after they exhibit symptoms.

Local Impacts and Management Challenges

The sheer number of carcasses has forced local government units to adjust their operations. In the Village of Richfield, public works crews assumed responsibility for removing dead deer from residential properties, a task typically handled by third-party contractors focused on road collisions. Village administrator Jim Healy stated that his team began collecting carcasses on July 30, with the workload peaking throughout August. By the end of the month, requests for removal began to taper off, suggesting the intensity of the outbreak may be receding or simply running out of susceptible hosts.

Residents are feeling the effects beyond the sight of the carcasses. Dave Strunz, a 64-year-old resident of the Town of Hartford, described a total lack of deer activity on his property. During a typical year, deer consume all the fruit falling from his apple trees. This year, the fruit remains untouched on the ground. Strunz, an avid hunter and wildlife observer, decided to cancel his local hunting plans for the current season, opting instead to hunt in western Wisconsin to allow the local herd time to recover.

Understanding the Virus and Future Outlook

EHD is not new to Wisconsin, with historical records of the disease documented in the state since at least 2002. Outbreaks have occurred periodically, including a significant event in 2012 that affected eight counties in southern and central Wisconsin. The virus does not infect humans, and it poses no risk to those handling affected deer or consuming venison. Researchers have noted that deer which manage to survive the infection develop antibodies, making them more resilient to future exposure to the virus.

These outbreaks typically conclude once a hard frost kills the population of biting midges. Until that point arrives, state officials remain in monitoring mode. The DNR has stated it will not conduct further testing for EHD within the currently identified hot spots in southeastern Wisconsin. If reports arise from areas well outside the established zone, however, the agency will attempt to retrieve samples for testing. For now, the focus is on tracking the scope of the event and waiting for environmental conditions to naturally curb the spread.