Milwaukee, WI, September 10, 2026 —

An outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) has led to the deaths of more than 775 deer in Washington County, Wisconsin. The significant increase in mortality occurred shortly before the scheduled start of the state’s archery hunting season.

The EHD virus, which is spread by biting midges, causes severe illness in deer, often leading to death. Symptoms can include fever, swelling of the head, neck, and tongue, and lameness. Affected animals may also be found near water sources, as they seek relief from fever and dehydration.

The scale of the outbreak has raised concerns among local hunters. Many fear that the virus could substantially reduce the deer population in Washington County, potentially impacting future hunting seasons and the local ecosystem. In response to the rising number of deer deaths, some hunters are calling for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to suspend hunting activities in the affected area.

However, state wildlife officials have indicated that they believe the deer herd in Washington County is robust enough to endure the current EHD outbreak. The Wisconsin DNR typically monitors disease outbreaks and population levels to inform management decisions, including hunting season regulations.

The exact number of deer affected by EHD, beyond the reported 775 fatalities, has not been fully detailed. Information regarding any specific preventative measures being taken by the Wisconsin DNR or the timeline for assessing the long-term impact of the outbreak on the local deer population was not immediately available.



Story summarized from the original created by Marcus Aarsvold on www.tmj4.com, see more information here.

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